Latest Manchester United transfer news and gossip as RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko continues to be linked with a move to Old Trafford
Mark has been a football journalist since 2017 and has contributed to several publications including the Liverpool Echo, Manchester Evening News and football.london. He also spent eight months on the US Sports team for the Mirror US
(Image: Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images.)
Manchester United will have been given encouragement by the performance against Everton on Sunday night. So much so that it may affect the club's transfer plans for the summer.
United were held to a 2-2 draw with the Toffees at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atalanta, with Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount on the score sheet. It saw United end their pre-season tour of the United States undefeated with two wins and a draw under their belt.
The match also saw Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha start a match for the first time alongside one another since the pair joined United. It also offered a hint as to how Ruben Amorim may set up the Reds going forward for the season ahead.
United have been heavily linked with signing a new striker this summer, with Benjamin Sesko a priority target. As the Manchester Evening News reported last week, United are advancing on a deal to sign the RB Leipzig striker amid competition from Newcastle for his signature.
If Sesko was signed, he would be expected to play as a central striker in the United starting line-up. However, it was against Everton that Amorim decided to use Cunha and Mbeumo as two false nines in the final third.
While United may not have won the game, Cunha and Mbeumo's first appearance offered plenty of encouragement for the season ahead. The duo provided plenty of opportunities for United against the Everton defence, which Amorim will no doubt be taking note of as the squad returns to Carrington.
Signing a new striker has been near the top of United's plans for this summer's transfer window for some time. And it's clear that Sesko is a player that United want to bring to Old Trafford as soon as possible.
But it may be possible that Amorim decides to use Cunha and Mbeumo as false nines for the season ahead, rather than use a centre forward. If that was to happen, it could allow United to go into the market for another area of their squad in need of reinforcements.
United have also been linked with signing a new midfielder this summer following Christian Eriksen's departure at the end of last season. Signing a new striker, though, has often been seen as the most important deal needed to get over the line this summer.
Could the pre-season tour of the United States, particularly the draw with Everton, see United and Amorim change their minds? Only time will tell, of course, with it still very possible that the club continues with its plans to try and sign Sesko before the September 1 deadline.
If not, then United will have a new option up their sleeve for the new campaign ahead.
Here at The Manchester Evening News, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester United coverage and analysis.
Make sure you don't miss out on the latest United news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.
You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.
And, finally, if you would rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Manchester is Red podcast, featuring The Samuel Luckhurst Show and The Midweek Debate. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and you can also watch along on YouTube.