Manchester United keen to sign Benjamin Sesko and Marko Arnautovic

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By Martin Graham | 8th Aug 2022

Manchester United are negotiating to sign two forwards before the transfer deadline of September 1. The club is discussing with Bologna and RB Salzburg for Benjamin Sesko and Marko Arnautovic.

Manchester United have become a shadow of what they used to be. They no longer command the clout to attract big-name players and are hanging on to old glory to maintain the semblance of a big club. The Red Devils have consistently continued to slide down the hierarchy in the Premier League and now look more like a mid-table club than one that should be challenging for titles.

In their opening league match of the season, Erik Ten Hag received a rude awakening of the size of the problem before him. The Red Devils lost to Brighton & Hove at Old Trafford. Ten Hag blamed the defeat on a lack of self-belief. The glaring lack of a potent strike force was evident as United fell apart in their backyard.

Manchester United are now in the market for a quality addition to the side. Recent reports suggest that the club are in talks with a couple of players. Benjamin Sesko and Marko Arnautovic are the two players United are keen to bring to Old Trafford.

United plot quick moves Sesko and Arnautovic

It is no secret that Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Elanga are not Manchester United level. The three have failed several times, but the club has persisted with them like they took a blood oath not to sideline them. After the loss to Brighton, the Red Devils have seen the need to sign better strikers.

According to ESPN, United are negotiating to sign Benjamin Sesko and Marko Arnautovic to beef up their attack.

The Red Devils have already contacted Bologna about Arnautovic, who has Premier League experience after playing for Stoke and West Ham. Erik ten Hag is pressing the striker to sign the forward, who he believes will not destabilize the side over regular playing time.

Ten Hag is a fan of the 33-year-old after they worked together at FC Twente. According to ESPN, the move for Arnautovic is separate from the pursuit of FC Salzburg striker Benjamin Sesko. Talks continue with Salzburg for the 19-year-old forward.

The problems at United

Benjamin Sesko is a brilliant striker that has attracted the interest of several clubs. Chelsea and Real Madrid have considered signing the 19-year-old striker but have not shown their hand. ESPN reports that Salzburg would rather keep Sesko for at least one more season.

The transfer market shuts on September 1, and United remain hopeful of adding at least another striker.

The Manchester outfit is not running at maximum capacity and need to fortify the squad for the hectic season ahead. Anthony Martial is injured, and Cristiano Ronaldo is still some way from full fitness after staying away to deal with family issues.

Considering that all Manchester United have for a strike force are Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Cristiano Ronaldo and Elanga, it is threadbare and finishing in the top six with this forward line would be a struggle.

Against Brighton, Ronaldo started from the bench, while Christian Eriksen played as a false nine. It was a move that failed spectacularly.