United handed fresh chance to land 25-yo they “regret” snubbing as tempting new terms over deal emerge – report

To sharpen their toothless attack after last season’s struggles, Manchester United opted to “assemble” an entirely new frontline.

Diving into the transfer market, INEOS were determined to emerge with two number 10s and a striker.

The chase for the 10s proved relatively straightforward. United had a clear idea of who they wanted, and in Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, it is evident they got their men.

But landing a top striker was far more challenging. Primary targets, such as Liam Delap and Viktor Gyokeres, proved difficult to lure to Old Trafford, while other transfer interests, like Moise Kean, failed to materialise.

Sesko signed

In the end, United secured Benjamin Sesko for £73.7 million, a striker the club had long admired.

While hopes are high that the Slovenian will thrive at the Theatre of Dreams, comparisons with his predecessor Rasmus Hojlund are inevitable.

Like Hojlund, Sesko is young, brimming with promise, and expected to hit the ground running at United.

His predecessor failed to live up to expectations, but Sesko is tipped to succeed where Hojlund stumbled.

Still, to help him fulfil that potential, United could ease the pressure on him by signing an experienced striker to share the workload.

This second striker would relieve pressure and allow Sesko to develop into the lethal finisher many believe he can become.

So who could United sign as the ideal alternative for Sesko?

INEOS could yet reignite their pursuit of Moise Kean.

According to a report from Italy relayed by The Peoples Person, United are regretting not signing the Italian forward despite having landed Sesko.

Transfer opportunity

Kean enjoyed a stellar 2024–25 campaign, scoring 25 goals and providing three assists across 44 appearances.

Reports claim he was offered to United, and INEOS could have activated his £45 million release clause, which was valid between 1 and 15 July.

But the Red Devils passed on the opportunity, an oversight that, according to the Italian source, they now regret.

If that regret is genuine, Manchester Evening News suggest the door may not be fully closed.

As MEN admits, “Kean has since signed a four-year contract extension through to 30 June 2029. Sky Sport, however, reported at the time that there is a new release clause in that deal, up from £45million to £53million.”

With United still keen to add experience up front to support Sesko, a move for Kean could prove tempting.

Kean: seasoned and sharp

The Italian striker brings a wealth of experience, having played at the highest level for several years.

He has featured in the Premier League with Everton, turned out for European giants PSG and Juventus, and has become a standout performer at Fiorentina.

Given his form last season, he would have been a brilliant buy, but United hesitated, perhaps unsure whether he was the right fit.

This season, all eyes will be on Kean. If he replicates last season’s numbers, United may well reconsider and take up the £53 million opportunity to sign him.

Featured image Timothy Rogers via Getty Images

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social