Benjamin Sesko is showing why Manchester United paid £74million for his signature and were happy to loan out Rasmus Hojlund after two difficult seasons at Old Trafford
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 1: Benjamin Sesko of Manchester United celebrates 2nd goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on March 1, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Benjamin Sesko is on fire at Manchester United (Image: Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
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Benjamin Sesko refused to take the No.9 shirt at Manchester United out of respect for Rasmus Hojlund. Sesko, 22, joined the Red Devils in a deal worth up to £74million in August and was quickly installed as their first-choice striker.
Holjlund, meanwhile, fell down the pecking order and it was clear that United wanted to offload to the Dane, two years after forking out £72m for him. But at the time of Sesko's arrival, Hojlund's loan move to Napoli - which was eventually confirmed on transfer deadline day - was far from a done deal.
When it came time for Sesko to select his shirt number, the Athletic report that United considered allowing the Slovenia international to wait until Hojlund had departed. But with the 23-year-old still at the club, Sesko decided to take the No.30 out of respect for his then team-mate.
Sesko, who's in red-form form under Michael Carrick, may well get the opportunity to take the No.9 this summer, as Napoli are obligated to sign Hojlund on a permanent basis if they qualify for the Champions League. The Serie A giants, who are currently third in the table, agreed on a £38million fee in September.
The United loanee has suggested that he's keen to stay at Napoli, having won the Italian Super Cup and scored 13 goals in 34 games for Antonio Conte's side. In a recent interview with Italian publication Il Mattino, Hojlund said that he's keen to see more of the city of Naples and enjoys living there.
"l'm not in the centre, but I'm dying to explore the alleys and heart of Naples, but I know it won't be easy to get around," the striker explained. "I sense the incredible energy the city exudes.
"I can feel it every moment - its vitality and personality are everywhere, not just at Maradona when we play. It's an underestimated city, not even a little dangerous, despite so many rumours from afar."
VERONA, ITALY - FEBRUARY 28: Rasmus Hojlund of Napoli celebrates his goal during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on February 28, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)
Napoli are likely to sign Rasmus Hojlund for £38million(Image: Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)
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Hojlund has netted four goals in his last seven appearances after a quiet start to the calendar year. "I'm like ketchup. When the sauce doesn't come out, you're there, struggling to get it out, then suddenly it all comes out at once," he joked.
"It's the same when you don't score for a long time. It's an incredible joy to score, but when the team and the coach believe in you, the goal is like a flower that has to bloom, it's just a matter of time."