Manchester United made a £74m bid for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko on Tuesday in an attempt to hijack Newcastle’s approaches – but will he fit into Ruben Amorim’s squad if the transfer goes through?
Sesko (22) has been the subject of interest from both Newcastle and Manchester United in recent days.
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United’s bid includes a guaranteed sum of £65.2 million, which could rise to £73.8 million with bonuses.
On Monday, The Guardian reported that Newcastle had made a bid of £69.7 million, which with additional clauses could reach £75 million.
It is still unclear whether Sesko will end up in the northeast or northwest of England this season. According to the German newspaper BILD, the player has told both clubs that they are his first choice.
So how would the Slovenian striker fit into Amorim’s signature 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1 formation?
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United have already signed big signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo this summer, as well as 18-year-old Paraguayan left-back Diego Leon.
Amorim’s team played Everton in the final game of the Premier League Summer Series on Sunday, with Cunha and Mbeumo both starting in the 2-2 draw in Atlanta.
Amorim’s choice could hint at what the starting eleven will look like when United open the Premier League season against Arsenal on August 17.
Second goalkeeper Altay Bayindir started in place of the injured André Onana – but one can assume that the Cameroonian will take his place when he is back.
Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Luke Shaw made up a ground line of three, but Lisandro Martinez is likely to return once he is healthy.
Amad started as a left wing-back, while Diogo Dalot played on the right side. Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte formed the midfield pair.
Further ahead, captain Bruno Fernandes and newcomer Mbeumo played behind the one-striker Cunha.
Of course, the lineup can be changed. Fernandes could be relegated to an “eight” role alongside Ugarte to make room for Sesko, who would play as “nines”, while Cunha and Mbeumo could back up as “tens”.
Mason Mount could also make the team if he stays injury-free. Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund will probably start on the bench if Sesko comes to United.
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Bruno Fernandes optimistic about more transitions
After the draw against Everton, the United captain hinted that several new players could arrive before the transfer window closes.
“It [the squad] is getting better,” Fernandes said. I don’t want to criticize anyone, but the club is doing its best considering the financial situation they are talking about.
“It has been crystal clear that we need more competition for places, more quality to get everyone to raise their level. Hopefully we can bring in one or two more players to help with that.
Who can United bring in?
PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has been linked with a move to United. Last week, The Telegraph reported that United are interested, and journalist Jan Åge Fjørtoft confirmed on Thursday that talks are ongoing.
A new central midfielder is also desirable. According to Football Italia, United have shown interest in Brazilian Atalanta player Ederson.
