Manchester United were linked with a move for Viktor Gyokeres before his move to Arsenal
Last season proved to be a painful one for Manchester United and the fans. The team finished 15th in the Premier League, lost to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final and were ruled out of any European competition this season. The challenge of rebuilding the club after such results was to find a quality striker, and that made the search for a centre-forward a top priority this summer.
Reports have made it clear that the story between United and Viktor Gyokeres never reached a serious stage and the player’s representatives were upset that there was no formal interest from Old Trafford. The Daily Mail, as relayed by Manchester Evening News, claimed that Gyokeres himself was inclined towards joining Arsenal, and it was clear to Mikel Arteta after the first conversation that the player’s heart was set there. From United’s perspective, the situation was even simpler, as the club knew that going public with the chase and then losing out would be embarrassing. So United kept quiet, didn’t make any overt moves and focused on other positions.
Meanwhile, the team have worked on their weaknesses and added big names like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, while also adding young Diogo Leon to their plans. The biggest move came when United pushed for Benjamin Sesko and finally managed to sign him. The decision shows the club understood the situation and got a striker who can play centrally for a long time and will bring new energy to the attack.
What does Sesko vs Gyokeres mean to us?
Manchester United were linked with a move for Viktor Gyokeres before his move to Arsenal.
Gyokeres chose Arsenal, and that was his priority, so it was sensible for the club to back off
As fans, it’s clear that United knew as soon as they heard about Gyokeres that the player would go to Arsenal. That’s why the club wasted no time in turning their attention to Sesko, who was also a target of Arsenal, and finally managed to sign him. The move was quiet but decisive, as Arsenal set their sights on Gyokeres and United picked up Sesko.
The question now is, what is the difference between Sesko and Gyokeres? The Swede could have made an immediate impact in the Premier League for United as he possesses physical strength and experience, but Sesko’s strengths lie in his pace, flexibility and ability to become a stable solution at the centre for a long time. The Slovenian could be a vital part of the long-term project that United need in the fresh start.
In our opinion, United made the right decision at that moment. Gyokeres chose Arsenal, and that was his priority, so it was sensible for the club to back off. However, Sesko’s arrival indicates that United are now looking ahead, and the most important thing about this deal is that United have avoided competition and still found a player who can become the identity of the team for years to come. It is this balanced plan that gives us hope to rise again.