A New Chapter for Manchester United
In the ever-changing landscape of modern football, Manchester United finds itself in a phase that could be described as “crisis/they’re back.” The pendulum is slowly swinging towards a more positive direction, and there are signs of progress under the management of Ruben Amorim. Last season’s 15th-place finish was an unprecedented low for the Premier League’s most successful club, with a disastrous Europa League final against Tottenham further compounding their struggles.
However, Amorim has been given time to implement his methods with a squad that has seen some promising additions, such as Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. These signings appear to align more closely with Amorim’s vision for the team. Their performance in the Premier League Summer Series in the United States, including a 2-1 win over West Ham and a 4-1 victory against Bournemouth, indicated that progress is being made.
Rasmus Hojlund: A Player in Question
One player who has come under scrutiny is Rasmus Hojlund. Despite scoring twice in the game against Bournemouth, reports suggest that Manchester United may be ready to cut their losses on the Denmark striker. A £30 million asking price has been placed on him, despite the fact that he was signed from Atalanta in a deal potentially worth £72 million. This move raises questions about whether the club is making the right decisions in terms of their transfer strategy.
Hojlund’s journey to Manchester United was marked by a rapid rise through the ranks. He began at FC Copenhagen before moving to Sturm Graz, where he quickly became a key player. His performances in Austria earned him a move to Atalanta, where he played under Gian Piero Gasperini, a coach known for his attacking style of play. However, his time at Old Trafford was inconsistent, with a long wait for his first Premier League goal followed by brief periods of brilliance.
Benjamin Sesko: A New Hope?
In contrast, Benjamin Sesko has emerged as a potential savior for Manchester United. The 22-year-old Slovenian forward has shown promise during his time at RB Salzburg and later at RB Leipzig. His performances have caught the attention of Amorim, who sees potential in his ability to drop deep and link play. This skill set could be crucial for the Portuguese manager’s 3-4-2-1 formation, allowing wing-backs to push forward and support attackers to move beyond him.
Sesko’s stats speak volumes. In the Bundesliga last season, he completed 47 progressive carries compared to Hojlund’s 28. He also had 46 progressive passes compared to Hojlund’s 18. Additionally, Sesko managed five assists, while Hojlund didn’t record any in the Premier League. Per 90 minutes, Sesko received possession 26.2 times on average, compared to 18.3 for Hojlund.
The Path Forward
The arrival of Mbeumo and Cunha has added another layer of optimism for Manchester United. These players could help create a more balanced attack, with a reliable No. 9 to work off. If Amorim continues to rely on Hojlund, there is a risk that he could follow in the footsteps of other high-profile signings at Old Trafford who failed to live up to expectations.
Sesko, although still a work in progress, offers versatility and the potential to contribute in multiple ways. Unlike Hojlund, who became a punchline at United, it might be harder to laugh at Sesko’s expense. With the right guidance and support, he could be the key to unlocking Manchester United’s potential.
Conclusion
As Manchester United look to rebuild and regain their former glory, the decision to pursue Benjamin Sesko signals a shift in strategy. While the past has been filled with uncertainty, there is hope that this new chapter will bring success and stability to the club. The coming seasons will be crucial in determining whether these moves were wise or if the pendulum will swing once again.