Man Utd to make bid for “phenomenal” talent

Zlatan Ibrahimović is a player who had a huge impact in a short space of time at Manchester United, capturing the hearts of the fanbase as a result.

The Swede joined the club on a free transfer from PSG back in the summer of 2016, subsequently handing the Red Devils the needed talisman they craved.

He managed to register 28 goals in his 46 appearances during his debut campaign, including four in the EFL Cup as he helped the club claim the trophy with a win over Southampton at Wembley.

However, a serious knee injury massively halted his progress at Old Trafford, only managing a total of seven outings throughout his second year at the club – before leaving on a free in June 2018.

Seven years on from his departure, boss Ruben Amorim has the opportunity to land his own version of the striker this summer in an attempt to rise up the Premier League table throughout 2025/26.

The latest on United’s hunt for a new striker this summer

Alexander Isak has been a player at the heart of one of the biggest transfer sagas this summer, with United themselves making an enquiry to land the Newcastle United star.

However, such an approach was rapidly dismissed, with the player himself holding out for a move to Liverpool after their opening offer of £120m was rejected last week.

Despite the failure to land the Swede, Amorim could be about to make a move to land RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko, according to The Standard’s latest update.

They claim that the Red Devils are preparing an offer for the Slovenian international, after Newcastle had their £69m offer rejected over the weekend.

The Standard also states that the player himself could still be keen on a move to Old Trafford this summer, despite their lack of European football ahead of next season.

Why United’s latest target could be Amorim’s own Ibrahimovic

There are very few players in the modern game who can compare to Zlatan, with the legendary forward possessing a unique playstyle – not to mention his confidence off the field.

The 43-year-old was a player who was an aerially dominant option, but also capable of scoring the spectacular, as seen by the stupendous goal catalogue he’s produced during his career.

Moments of magic are what made him the player he was at Old Trafford, with his effort against Sunderland showcasing his ability to create an opportunity out of nothing.

His height, at 6”5, was a huge problem for multiple backlines in England’s top-flight, perfectly fitting the mould of what’s needed for a striker leading the line for the Red Devils.

Very few players have been able to replicate such levels since his departure, but that could all be about to change at Old Trafford in the coming weeks, with a move for the RB Leipzig talisman.

Sesko, who sits at a staggering 6”5, possesses a very similar frame to Zlatan, also being aerially dominant, like the Swede, as seen by his tally of 2.6 aerials won per 90 last season.

The Slovenian, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by analyst Antonio Mango, also scored 21 goals in 2024/25, often producing a sensational strike, as seen by his long-range effort against Bayern Munich.

His excellence in attacking areas is further showcased in his tally of 1.5 dribbles completed per 90, having the all-round talent to impress in the air or on the ground when needed.

Ultimately, his record of goals last season is the biggest sign of a good player, with Amorim’s side desperately needing a new forward who can produce the goods if they are to improve on their dismal 2024/25.

Sesko has all the tools needed to thrive in the current first-team squad, able to develop further under the manager’s guidance, given his tender age of just 22 years.

If he can build on his recent displays in Germany at Old Trafford, he would be a phenomenal buy, despite the fee, potentially being Amorim’s own version of former fan favourite Ibrahimović.