Manchester United are scrambling in the market to find a forward before the transfer window shuts at the start of next month, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s uncertain future potentially impacting their decision-making.
Ronaldo has asked to leave the club and his failure to feature in the first five pre-season games have further fuelled speculation surrounding his future. Should the 37-year-old leave the club this summer, Anthony Martial would become the sole striker available to Erik ten Hag.
That could force United’s hand and recently, RB Salzburg prodigy Benjamin Sesko has been linked with a move to Old Trafford. The 19-year-old has been in impressive form over pre-season and now, journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has provided the lowdown on the situation.
According to Romano, we have now entered the ‘key days’ for Sesko’s future and contacts are ongoing. As per the report, United know they must act fast to seal a deal for the teenager after meeting with his agent ‘days ago’.
Read more: (Video) Fabrizio Romano says Man Utd are unhappy about Frenkie de Jong situation
In another update, the transfer guru revealed that Chelsea, who are also challenging United for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, have opened talks with the forward’s representatives.
Romano adds that United have held more than one direct meeting over Sesko’s future but one more club is believed to be in the running as well. The decision is now said to be in Sesko’s hands but Salzburg are hopeful of keeping him for another year.
SN’s verdict…
It was always likely that United would scour the market for a striker this summer after the departure of Edinson Cavani and Mason Greenwood’s uncertain future.
Ronaldo’s situation only adds to that and Martial’s injury record won’t fill Ten Hag with confidence ahead of the longest club season to date.
Sesko has little experience at first-team level but has still attracted the interest of Europe’s biggest clubs. Just over two years ago, United missed a similar opportunity when Erling Haaland signed for Borussia Dortmund from Salzburg – they will be eager to avoid a repeat of that with Sesko.
it will be far better to sign sesko