Benjamin Sesko has revealed the two key factors that motivated his decision to snub Newcastle in favour of sealing a move to Manchester United.
United beat Newcastle to Sesko’s signing
After wrapping up a deal to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, United immediately turned their attention towards signing a striker and they identified Sesko as their top target.
United had failed on multiple occasions to sign Sesko in the past, but still chose to make another attempt, convinced he was now ready to make the jump to a big club. But it was anything but straightforward, with Newcastle also strongly in pursuit of Sesko, whom they considered the perfect replacement for Alexander Isak.
The Magpies lodged at least two bids for Sesko, with the latter valuing him at around €90m. Eddie Howe’s side also offered Sesko significantly higher wages than United put on the table.
However, Sesko turned them down and decided to move to United. His desire to complete the switch to Old Trafford convinced RB Leipzig to accept United’s slightly lower bid.
The Slovenian was unveiled in front of the United fans on Saturday, just before the pre-season meeting with Fiorentina kicked off.
Signing for the Reds ✅
First time at Old Trafford ✅
Meeting our fans ✅It’s not been a bad day for our latest recruit 🤩 pic.twitter.com/xdyjXUMhyZ
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 9, 2025
The new United star sat down with club media and revealed why he was only keen on signing for the Red Devils despite interest from elsewhere.
Sesko reveals two reasons for United move
Sesko highlighted United’s rich history and the team’s potential as his primary transfer motivators. He also pledged to do everything he can to help the team “fly high” again.
Asked about his ambitions with United, Sesko answered, “Just that we get better, that we connect together, in general, and we, as a team, just try to grow, to grow together step by step because we’re getting better.”
“We’re just even more complete and complete. It’s just a matter of time when we can fly high again.”
He said about joining the 20-time English champions, “I think, first of all, because of the club. It’s just a historical club that is unbelievable.”
“For me, the team is great. It is getting better and better and that’s why also there is just stuff that makes you come there, gives you this energy that you want to be part of. I think it’s a great project, in general, and I can’t wait to start, definitely.”
Sesko continued, “I’ve just been here for a couple of hours. And it’s already been amazing. I can already feel that we’re going to be a great family and it is a pleasure to be part of it. It feels good, you know, the thing is it [the badge] fits well and I’m looking forward to just playing in it a lot and try to represent in the good ways possible.”
Sesko names his United idol
Sesko mentioned former United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic as his football idol. Ibrahimovic spent two seasons at United before departing for MLS side LA Galaxy in 2018.
The Swede had an impact during his short stint, netting 29 goals in 53 appearances.
Sesko remarked about Ibrahimovic, “He’s been my role model since I’ve been small. I’ve been watching him, like every single YouTube video that I can find, because he’s just amazing for me, you know.”
“We don’t have the same, let’s say, character. But I like to see him, the way he plays, the way he enjoys football, because that’s when all the joy comes, you know. If you enjoy football, then everything works. And I think this is the most important.”
“It’s probably also one of the parts that just makes me love him so much, you know what I mean? So maybe one day to meet him, that would be great. He’s my idol.”
“Of course, I try to take some stuff from him. Especially like some similarities with the high kicks and power strikes. For me, there’s [also] Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney, all those kind of guys. I’ve also been watching them, of course, on the videos. They’ve been great, of course, you can admire them a lot and I try to also show myself in a good light here and try to help the team, try to help club to be as high as possible.”
Sesko added about his game, “I’m kind of the guy that is ready to attack, to be in front, if there is a space behind to run it over. Of course, if there are crosses, it’s always going to be nice, I’m always going to be there and I think that’s also what is important and also what Man United need.”
Away from football, Sesko noted that he enjoys basketball and tries to shoot hoops whenever he gets the chance.
Featured image Matt McNulty via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
