Man Utd files: Benjamin Sesko’s ‘gentleman’s agreement’ gives transfer hope and TWO new goalkeepers needed in overhaul
RUBEN AMORIM will be on the lookout for a new goalkeeper this summer – even though Andre Onana’s Old Trafford future remains in the balance.
But whether they will try to bring in a new number one or competition for the Cameroon international has still to be decided.
Turkey international Altay Bayindir – who stepped in at Newcastle to give Onana a much-needed break – is likely to be moved on.
There are concerns the former Fenerbahce keeper, 27, is not good enough with his feet to play in Amorim’s system.
And that was backed up at St James’ Park as Opta stats showed he failed to complete 30 of his 57 attempted passes – as well as gifting the Toon a fourth goal.
In addition, veteran No3 Tom Heaton – who turned 39 this week – could be offered a coaching role at Carrington by the club.
But that is likely to mean he hangs up his gloves and it remains to be seen if he is ready to do that.
So a shake-up of the goalkeeping department looks certain once the season ends.
Among the keepers on United’s radar is Eintracht Frankfurt’s Kaua Santos – who they could yet face in the Europa League final this year.
Lille’s Lucas Chevalier – who is valued at around £35million by his French club – is another name in the frame.
Meanwhile, Onana does not plan on going anywhere.
He wants to prove the doubters wrong and establish himself at Old Trafford and has even bought a new house in the area.
GO GO FOR SESKO
RB LEIPZIG forward Benjamin Sesko was watched by United’s new head of recruitment Christopher Vivell at the weekend.
That sparked talk the Slovenian forward could be on his way to Old Trafford this summer – as Ruben Amorim is hunting for a new forward.
There have been reports that the 21-year-old has a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ with his club which says he could leave for around £60m if a top club comes in for him.
No doubt United, who are looking to cut costs to comply with profit and sustainability rules, would be keen to snap up a bargain.
However, while it is true that Leipzig have said they will not stand in his way, the price is likely to be negotiable.
And the German club hope they can top the record £77m fee they received from United’s neighbours City for Josko Gvardiol two summers ago.
In fact they believe they could get around £86m (100m euros) for Sesko – which might force United to think again.
FEELS LIKE HOME
ONE thing that has gone down well at Old Trafford this season is the introduction of a famous John Denver song before kick-off.
‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’ has long been a favourite with the Stretford End and United even have their own version of it.
But in recent months, the original has been played over the tannoy shortly before kick-off.
And like most things that have been good about United this season, skipper Bruno Fernandes has been at the heart of it.
In a recent Q&A with club fans, he revealed he asked for it to become a regular matchday feature at the Theatre of Dreams as he felt it would help the atmosphere.
DRINK IT IN
NEW part owner Jim Ratcliffe has been cutting costs at United to ensure they comply with the Prem’s PSR rules.
Yet the Red Devils still offer the cheapest pint in the Premier League – with a beer available for as little as £3 in some parts of the stadium on match days at Old Trafford.
By contrast, at West Ham a pint can set you back around £7.30 while at Arsenal it is about a pound less.
Enjoy it while you can, United fans.
EUR ANNUAL BONUS
RUBEN AMORIM goes into tonight’s Europa League last-eight second leg against Lyon with a massive financial price for failure.
If United can negotiate their way past the French side and go on to win the trophy in Bilbao next month, it would guarantee Champions League football back at Old Trafford.
Uefa’s complicated financial model means that would mean United earning around £49m WITHOUT kicking a ball.
In addition, Europa League success would ensure another £20m-plus in gate income for four home matches in the expanded group stage.
Bonus payments for each win in the initial phase mean United could expect a minimum further £11.24m for reaching the first knock-out stage.
No pressure, then….
ONE THAT SCOTT AWAY
UNITED fans may be rueing the one that got away as they watch their academy product Scott McTominay burning it up in Italy.
But they could still benefit if he continues to perform well for title-chasing Napoli – like he did at the weekend when he scored twice against Empoli.
The Red Devils received just £27m for the Scotland international when he joined Antonio Conte’s men.
However, they did insert a sell-on clause which entitles them to around ten per cent of any profit the Italian club make on him.
McTominay was hailed as Serie A’s ‘signing of the season’ by newspaper Corriere Dello Sport at the weekend – so is currently a hot property.
RAS-CUE MISSION
FORMER United football director John Murtough has taken a new role with Italian club Atalanta after leaving Old Trafford.
The 54-year-old has been appointed as the Bergamo-based club’s new director of global development.
Murtough was United’s transfer guru from March 2021 but stepped down following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s partial takeover last year.
That means he would have dealt with Atalanta as the two clubs negotiated a £72m fee for Rasmus Hojlund two years ago.
It is one of the transfers that has often been held up to highlight United’s dismal transfer dealings in recent years – but no doubt Atalanta were grateful for the huge windfall.
Interestingly, several clubs in Italy are currently keeping tabs on the Dane’s struggles at Old Trafford.
Despite scoring just once in his last 26 appearances, his reputation in Serie A remains high.
Maybe Murtough could get on to his old mates in Manchester for a chat about getting him back to the Gewiss Stadium in the summer.