All the latest Manchester United transfer news as Ruben Amorim looks to bolster his attacking options this summer
Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig looks on during the 1. Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and TSG Hoffenheim at Red Bull arena, Leipzig, Germany on April 5, 2025
Benjamin Sesko during RB Leipzig's clash against TSG Hoffenheim(Image: Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Benjamin Sesko looks set to be denied his preferred squad number at Manchester United. The RB Leipzig striker has been heavily linked with a move this summer as Jason Wilcox looks to strengthen the Reds' frontline.
The Manchester Evening News understands that United are confident Sesko prefers a move to Old Trafford over St. James' Park. The Reds have bid €75m (£65.3m), plus €10m (£8.7m) in add-ons, for the Slovenia international, whose contract with the Bundesliga outfit expires in June 2029.
Newcastle have offered Leipzig more, but Sesko has his heart set on a move to United. It's understood that the Reds are long admirers of the 22-year-old, having previously tried to secure his signature.
Sesko's agent, Elvis Basanovic, met the former United football director, John Murtough, three years ago to discuss a potential transfer from RB Salzburg, but the youngster favoured a move to Leipzig at the time. The Reds hierarchy stayed in contact, hosting multiple visits to Carrington and Old Trafford.
Patrick Dorgu and Amad in United's new away kit
Patrick Dorgu and Amad in United's new away kit
If, for whatever reason, Newcastle get a foothold in the race to sign the Slovenian, Wilcox will be forced to make a difficult decision. United could offer Sesko the number 30 shirt, which he's worn since his RB Salzburg days.
But there's a problem: the jersey is currently taken by Diego Leon, whom the Reds only signed from Cerro Porteno last month. So, unless the 18-year-old defender offers to surrender the number, United would not be able to offer Sesko that welcome gift.
Meanwhile, Newcastle would be able to offer Sesko the number nine shirt, previously worn by Alan Shearer.
Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and Holstein Kiel at Red Bull Arena on April 19, 2025
Benjamin Sesko during RB Leipzig's draw against Holstein Kiel
Unfortunately for United, they're not really in a position to make Sesko a better offer, with 14 and 20 being the only other realistic – and vacant – numbers. In a recent interview with The Athletic, Ruben Amorim explained how he's steadied the ship at the club.
"The rules are not to treat the players as babies, they have sons," said the Portuguese tactician. "I treat them as a man, but they have rules now. And that can change the way you train. If you don’t train in the right way, I have footage to show you. And I show you in front of everybody. So I’m always on top."
Amorim added: "They understand that when I say one thing, I will do it. That is really important. And the change of culture is more a club thing than a manager thing. I cannot do everything by myself."
Ruben Amorim, Manager of Manchester United, reacts whilst in a huddle with teammates during a training session ahead of the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 semi final second leg match between Manchester United and Athletic Club at Carrington Training Ground on May 07, 2025 in Manchester, England
Ruben Amorim's new rule has brought more competitiveness to Manchester United's training sessions
The United boss also wants players to continue to take more responsibility. Amorim said: "We have a leadership group now. It’s not just Bruno Fernandes. It’s not just Harry Maguire. It’s six guys now.
"They are responsible for the group. There are some things that, in the last year, I had to deal with that. I said to them, ‘You deal with that. Small issues are with you guys. You are responsible’. All these small changes, it’s helping the group."
Amorim added: "So it’s not just the oldest ones. Nous is in the group because he’s a character that I like. I try to understand the dynamic of the group, try to reach every space. They are the guys who are responsible for keeping everyone in line."