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Topics: Manchester United, Transfer News, Football, Premier League, Newcastle United, Ruben Amorim
Luke Davies
Topics: Manchester United, Transfer News, Football, Premier League, Newcastle United, Ruben Amorim
Manchester United reportedly bid £74m for RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko on Tuesday as they attempted to hijack Newcastle’s approaches – but will he fit into Ruben Amorim’s side if the deal is completed?
Sesko, 22, has been the subject of interest from both Newcastle and Manchester United in recent days.
The Red Devils’ bid includes a guaranteed £65.2m, rising to a possible £73.8m.
On Monday, it was reported by The Guardian that the Magpies had tabled a £69.7m bid, which with add-ons, could rise to £75m.
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It is still unclear whether Sesko will call north east or north west England his home this season, with a report from German outlet BILD claiming the player has told both clubs that they are his first choice.
So, how would the Slovenian fit in Amorim’s distinctive 3-4-3 - or 3-4-2-1 - formation?
United have already welcomed marquee signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to the club this summer, while 18-year-old Paraguayan left-back Diego Leon has also arrived.
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Amorim's side faced Everton in the final game of the Premier League Summer Series on Sunday, with Cunha and Mbeumo both starting in the 2-2 draw in Atlanta.
And Amorim’s selection may have been a clue towards what his starting XI will look like come United’s Premier League opener against Arsenal on August 17.
Second-choice goalkeeper Altay Bayindir started in place of the injured Andre Onana – although you’d expect the Cameroonian to return once he’s back fit.
Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Luke Shaw made up the back three. However, Lisandro Martinez will likely return to the side once he returns to fitness.
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Amad started at left-wing back, while Diogo Dalot played on the right, and Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte made up the midfield two.
Moving forward, captain Bruno Fernandes and new man Mbeumo played behind the lone striker Cunha.
Of course, the lineup will be subject to change. Fernandes could drop into the 'eight' role alongside Ugarte to facilitate the arrival of Sesko, who would play as a 'number nine' while a deeper Cunha and Mbeumo provide support in the ‘ten’ positions.
Mason Mount could also come into the side if he maintains fitness. Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund would presumably start as substitutes if Sesko moves to United.
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Following the draw against Everton, United captain Fernandes hinted at the potential of new arrivals before the end of the transfer window.
“It’s [the squad is] improving,” Fernandes said. “But it’s not the place it needs to be. I don’t want to take a dig at anyone, but the club is doing the best they can in terms of the financial situation they talk about.
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“But it was crystal clear we needed more competition for the players that were here, more quality to get everyone to step up a little more to get to the XI. Hopefully, we can get one or two players more to help with that.”
So who could United sign? Well, PSG 'keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has been linked with a move to the club. Last week, The Telegraph reported that United are interested in Donnarumma, while journalist Jan Aage Fjortoft issued an update on Thursday, claiming “[I’ve] just been told that this process is ON. There are talks going on”. Another central midfielder would also be ideal, with Football Italia recently claiming that the Red Devils have shown interest in Brazilian Atalanta midfielder Ederson.