Manchester United have largely been impressive in the transfer market, and the way things are developing, they might even be exceeding expectations, but for one call.
After securing Matheus Cunha ahead of the rivals, and adding Bryan Mbeumo despite dragged-out negotiations, the next aim is for a striker.
Benjamin Sesko is the priority target, and Man Utd have gone all-in to secure the player despite interest from Newcastle.
If Sesko is secured, this window becomes a win even if no other player arrives, but in the meantime, they have already made their first mistake.
Rasmus Hojlund of Manchester United in action during a first team training session
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Man Utd make Rasmus Hojlund decision
As soon as links around Sesko started gaining pace, the clouds of uncertainty hovered above Rasmus Hojlund’s future at Old Trafford.
Hojlund has done well this pre-season, but he will have to go the extra mile and then some to be able to wash away the stench of last season.
Hojlund wants to stay at United, and while that would be a stance that would garner the respect of the fanbase, the fact that he can be used to sweeten the deal for Sesko is frustrating Man Utd fans.
It seems like United have also reached the same conclusion, with pretty much every outlet that covers Man Utd saying the Danish striker has been made available for £30m.
More United News
It’s clear that United are looking to move him on, and if every outlet has come up with it at the same time, it would be a smart bet that he’s been told the same privately.
It remains to be seen if any club coughs up the amount, or if this is just to tempt Leipzig into entering talks and getting Sesko on the cheap.
However, regardless of what the intention is, this is a mistake from the club.
Hojlund’s decision, and the timing of it, are a mistake
Ruben Amorim has been stressing the importance of a close-knit dressing room where the team spirit is at an all-time high.
Just before the squad is due to return from the USA, the timing of United briefing this is questionable.
Not only does it potentially unsettle a player who was showing signs of a comeback in pre-season, but they’ve done so at a measly cost of £30m.
That amount doesn’t even cover his PSR cost, let alone the raw transfer fee spent on him, so the stance is questionable from a financial point of view.
It is not even logical from a sporting perspective, as taking financial hits would be acceptable if the sporting view made sense, like with the five exiled players.
Sesko is the same age as Hojlund, so the fixation with having one undisputed striker to carry the burden of scoring doesn’t make sense.
If anything, having both Hojlund and Sesko pushing each other would be the best way forward, instead of putting Sesko in the situation that killed Hojlund’s confidence.
The player wants to stay and won’t disrupt the dressing room at a lack of chances. There’s zero downside to keeping him and buying Sesko.
Especially not if they intend to sell him for just £30m. It’s a big mistake from whichever side it’s judged.