Benjamin Sesko prefers to join Manchester United over Newcastle | OneFootball

Benjamin Sesko prefers to join Manchester United over rival bidders Newcastle United, according to Sky Sports.

This is a massive boost for United, who have been in the market for a quality striker after signing Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.

The Red Devils have recently submitted a bid worth around £74 million for the 22-year-old.

They face intense competition from Newcastle, who offered £69.7m plus add-ons after RB Leipzig rejected their opening bid.

The Slovenian has earned rave reviews in Germany since joining Leipzig in 2023. He has bagged 39 goals and eight assists in 87 appearances across all competitions.

However, despite his enormous potential, former United coach Rene Meulensteen is not convinced Sesko would thrive in the Premier League.

In an interview with ManUtdNews, Meulensteen said: “I’m sure that they want to strengthen that position, but it would make more sense to find somebody who has got a Premier League proven record.

“That is one of the problems when you look abroad and bring in players from different leagues. The Premier League is a different animal altogether, and it shows time and time again.

“Yes, there are a lot of examples that hit the ground running, such as Alexander Isak at Newcastle. He had a great season with them.

“However, look at (Rasmus) Hojlund – he has suffered because of a lack of service. Strikers rely on service, and United have always played with wingers. He hasn’t had that.

“Sesko has a lot of potential and has plenty going for him, but to play in the Premier League and handle the pressure of being at United is not easy.”

Signing Sesko for a considerable fee could be risky for Man Utd. The Red Devils paid up to £72m for Hojlund in 2023.

But the Dane has failed to live up to expectations in Manchester. He endured a disappointing 2024-25 campaign, scoring just four goals in 32 league matches.

Sesko is not a proven Premier League striker and would need time to adjust.

Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins is also an option, but United may baulk at the idea of paying £40m for a striker who will turn 30 in December.

Stats from Transfermarkt.