Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha explained real reason for Benjamin Sesko's Man Utd decision
Manchester United's new signings prove that joining the club remains a dream move due to the Red Devils' legacy. Ruben Amorim's side have brought in three highly-rated forwards this summer, despite the prospect of a year without European football.
United may have been concerned about their remaining pulling power in the transfer market after finishing 15th in the Premier League and losing the Europa League final last season. It was not the ideal sales pitch to convince top players to join Amorim's squad, combined with the financial implications of missing out on a Champions League spot to Tottenham Hotspur.
However, in their latest transfer coup, the Red Devils beat Newcastle United to the signing of striker Benjamin Sesko. Fellow new arrivals Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, who was also wanted by the Magpies, have already explained why the trio had their hearts set on heading to Old Trafford.
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Upon becoming United’s first summer signing, Cunha said: “It is hard to put into words my feelings about becoming a Manchester United player. Ever since I was a child in Brazil watching Premier League games on TV at my grandmother’s house, United was my favourite English team and I dreamed of wearing the red shirt. I want to thank my family and everyone who has helped me make that dream a reality.
Echoing Cunha’s message, Mbeumo explained that he was a boyhood United fan, demonstrating the club’s lasting appeal: “As soon as I knew there was a chance to join Manchester United, I had to take the opportunity to sign for the club of my dreams; the team whose shirt I wore growing up.”
Sir Alex Ferguson may have retired more than a decade ago but the club’s glory days live long in the memory, even for 22-year-old Sesko. "The history of Manchester United is obviously very special but what really excites me is the future,” the striker said. “When we discussed the project, it was clear that everything is in place for this team to continue to grow and compete for the biggest trophies again soon.”
United’s ability to secure deals for their top targets is in stark contrast to what Newcastle have endured this summer. Several forwards, including Mbeumo and Sesko, have chosen other clubs over Eddie Howe’s side, despite the club winning a trophy and qualifying for the Champions League last term. Their struggles to sign a striker have also added another layer to Alexander Isak’s transfer saga.
Meanwhile, United boss Amorim will be happy to have assembled his new-look forward line. The Red Devils were in urgent need of a centre-forward, following Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee’s struggles up front, and Amorim believes Sesko is the right man to lead the line.
"He has the characteristics that we needed," Amorim told MUTV. "Ben is a player - with all the information that we have - that we need to stop the guy from working, not the opposite!
"So that is also important. He's really young. He's good in the air, he's good at running the channels, good on the ball. I think he has great potential. I think he can improve a lot and, for sure, he is going to feel at home in our club. He has the right character to be in this group, so I'm really happy to have him."
However, United have not finished their summer rebuild. Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, who is valued at around £100m, has emerged as the club’s next target as United look to fix another area of the team.
The Red Devils welcomed club icon David De Gea back to Old Trafford during their final pre-season fixture on Saturday. United drew 1-1 with Fiorentina as Amorim continued his team’s preparations ahead of their season opener against Arsenal next Sunday.