Manchester United look to have finally secured the signature of RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko, but club icon Paul Scholes has shared his concerns for the 22-year-old Slovenian star
Man United icon Paul Scholes has concerns over the signing of Benjamin Sesko(Image: Sky Sports)
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has suggested that Benjamin Sesko might have been better off opting for Newcastle over the Red Devils.
Following a protracted transfer tussle with the Magpies, United appear to be on the verge of securing the towering Slovenian centre-forward after RB Leipzig accepted a bid of £66.4million, plus an additional £7.6m in add-ons.
The 22-year-old is now flying in for his medical as Ruben Amorim steps up his transfer plans. However, Scholes has expressed concerns that United are simply replacing like for like and risk repeating history.
The 50-year-old fears that Sesko doesn’t have significantly more experience than under-fire United striker Rasmus Hojlund had when he joined the club in 2023, with his future at the club now uncertain.
Scholes believes that Newcastle would have provided a more nurturing environment for Sesko to grow, arguing that strikers at United are expected to perform immediately under intense scrutiny.
Scholes voiced his worries about United’s latest signing during The Overlap Fan Debate. He said: “From the point of Sesko… he’ll have more chance at Newcastle to develop which he needs. Now to be a Manchester United centre-forward, as we’ve found with Hojlund, a 22-year-old kid, you’ve got to be ready.
Sesko has chosen Manchester United over Newcastle(Image: Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
“It’s got to be now. And Hojlund just isn’t quite good enough for that as we’ve seen. But again, he’s not had a chance to be developed – going to Newcastle might have been the best thing for him, for two or three years.”
United have not only edged out Eddie Howe’s side for Sesko, but they’ve also outmanoeuvred them in securing Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, who joined earlier in the window from Wolves and Brentford respectively.
Scholes acknowledges why United are a more appealing option than the Tyneside club, yet he remains sceptical about whether it’s the wisest move for the club.
“Which club are going to be successful first? Are Man United going to win the league before Newcastle – if they ever do? Of course they are,” Scholes added. “That’s why he wants to go there, but I’m saying, from a United point of view, is it the best bit of business? I still think you’re in the same boat as having Hojlund.”
Hojlund is determined to fight for his place at United(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
With Sesko’s anticipated arrival and the acquisitions of Mbeumo and Cunha, it seems likely that Hojlund’s tenure at United could be set to end. Insiders close to the Danish player suggest he might need to move before the deadline if he continues to be overlooked.
Nonetheless, during the recent pre-season tour in America, Hojlund, who has 26 goals in 95 appearances for United, expressed his resolve to fight for his place in Amorim’s squad.
“I think my plan is very clear and that is for me to stay and fight for my spot, whatever happens,” he said. “I’m still very young. I think people forget that sometimes. I’m only 22. Obviously, not every striker is scoring 100 goals at the age of 22.
“Competition is fine with me. It sharpens me. I’m more than ready. I’m feeling sharp, so I’m welcoming everything that comes. I think it’s good with competition and it only sharpens the team.”
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