What Benjamin Sesko arrival means for four Man Utd stars as Newcastle beaten to transfer

Benjamin Sesko appears to have chosen Manchester United over Newcastle United and his arrival at Old Trafford could have a big impact on several new team-mates

Benjamin Sesko is heading to Manchester United after snubbing Newcastle United, a decision that sees the Slovenian forgo an opportunity to play in this season’s Champions League.

And while that should be seen as a coup for Old Trafford decision-makers, evidence that despite their decade of decline they remain a bigger draw than a side that finished in the top five last season, it is a huge blow for the Toon who still fear the sale of Alexander Isak to Liverpool.

But there are also knock-on effects for the dressing room Sesko is heading towards in the north west with his impending arrival set to alter the roles of team-mates – and leave the future of at least one star in serious jeopardy.

Here is how United’s latest arrival could impact Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee plus new arrivals Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.

READ MORE: Transfer news LIVE: Sesko agrees Man Utd deal, Grealish’s next club, Nunez’s Liverpool exit, Isak latestREAD MORE: Alexander Isak slammed for treatment of Newcastle team-mates during Liverpool saga

Rasmus Hojlund

After two frustrating seasons in which he has struggled to score consistently with the confidence draining slowly from him, speculation for much of the summer to date has surrounded the Denmark striker being sold.

Sesko’s arrival will increase the likelihood of that happening significantly with United willing to accept a fee in the range of half the £72m they paid Atalanta for Hojliund in the summer of 2023. A number of Serie A sides have been linked but no interest has translated into a formal offer yet.

Hojlund himself is determined to transform his fortunes and was unfazed about transfer speculation with the likes of Sesko: “I think my plan is very clear and that’s for me to stay and fight for my spot, whatever happens.”

Joshua Zirkzee

Injury problems may have hindered an average debut season at the club but he does have the size and skillset that could provide Ruben Amorim with scope to mix things up.

Expect him to be an impact sub behind Sesko, which may see the pressure be taken off the big Dutchman and United fans will hope that can allow him to play with a bit more freedom when given the opportunity.

Matheus Cunha

The Brazil star thrived cutting in from the wing while at Wolves and Sesko being the central member of the front three will surely bring the best out of Cunha. He linked up impressively with Jorgen Strand Larsen as the middleman at Molineux and Amorim will expect similar with Sesko.

Bryan Mbeumo

United’s other big summer arrival is in a similar boat to Cunha.

At Brentford last season he spent a lot of time operating more centrally but arguably his best work in West London came when providing more width, stretching opposition defences and simultaneously hurting them himself by switching inside or ensuring more space for his team-mates to thrive.

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