Benjamin Sesko denied dream Man Utd shirt number by new signing despite unusual choice

Benjamin Sesko has emerged as Manchester United’s number one choice for their central striker vacancy but the RB Leipzig man will not be receiving a dream welcome present should he arrive at Old Trafford

Benjamin Sesko might have an awkward Manchester United chat should he arrive at Old Trafford. The RB Leipzig striker has emerged as a key target for the Red Devils for the remainder of the summer.

United are keen to add a new striker to their squad this summer following a dire campaign last term. Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins had emerged as a target but the club’s attentions have now turned to the Slovenian.

It is reported that United may have to pay around £75m (£64.6m) to convince Leipzig to sell Sesko over the coming months. And should they agree a price, it appears their chances of getting a deal done are positive given that Sesko has been left impressed by the club’s attempts to sign him.

But while the signs are positive as it stands, there might be a slight bump in the road once Sesko arrives at Old Trafford when it comes to his squad number. The 22-year-old has donned the number 30 during his time with both his former club Red Bull Salzburg and his current employers RB Leipzig.

And while the digit would usually be available given its unconventional nature, it’s already occupied by another summer signing. Young defender Diego Leon is its current occupant following his arrival from Cerro Porteno.

That would give Sesko a dilemma over the number he chooses to wear at Old Trafford. He has worn the number 25 and 11 on the international front and as it stands, both are accommodated by Manuel Ugarte and Joshua Zirkzee respectively.

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Another option could potentially be the number nine shirt, the number that was worn by Sesko’s hero Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Old Trafford. Speaking about the Swede, the striker said: “Zlatan Ibrahimovic was my idol.

“I’m not saying I play like him but he was having fun, enjoying himself on the pitch, doing what he wanted to do. It makes me really happy when I see that kind of player. Every single video I could find, I was looking at him.”

And while that could be an option for Sesko, a few things need to happen first. The digit is currently occupied by Rasmus Hojlund, who has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford.

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But a switch is still some way off and should he remain at the club, it appears very likely that he will keeps the number for the foreseeable future. In the meantime, talks between United and Leipzig will continue.

Sesko enjoyed another sensational season for Leipzig last season. He scored 21 goals in all competitions for the German side.

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