Manchester United’s search for a new No. 9 has been the talk of the 2025 summer transfer window, with fans dreaming of a striker to ignite their attack after a dismal 15th-place finish last season. After missing out on Viktor Gyökeres (now at Arsenal) and Hugo Ekitiké (now at Liverpool), the Red Devils have finally landed their man: RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško, a 22-year-old Slovenian sensation. The €85 million signing has sent waves of excitement through Old Trafford, but not everyone is celebrating. From Bruno Fernandes’ creative genius to the sidelined Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee, Šeško’s arrival reshapes United’s squad and even impacts rivals like Newcastle’s Alexander Isak. Let’s dive into the winners and losers of this blockbuster transfer in a post that’s sure to spark debate among football fans!
Šeško’s move to Manchester United is a game-changer, addressing a glaring goalscoring void while creating ripples across the squad and beyond. Below, we analyze who benefits, who faces challenges, and how this transfer reshapes United’s ambitions for the 2025-26 season.
Winner: Bruno Fernandes – A Creative Maestro Gets His Finisher
Bruno Fernandes, United’s captain and creative linchpin, is the biggest winner from Šeško’s arrival. Last season, Fernandes led the Premier League in chance creation and ranked among the top four for expected assists, yet his teammates’ wastefulness left him frustrated. United’s forwards squandered chance after chance, contributing to a measly 44 goals in the league. Šeško, who scored 21 goals for RB Leipzig last season—outpacing the combined 17 goals of Højlund and Zirkzee—brings the clinical finishing Fernandes has been crying out for. At 6-foot-5, with blistering pace and aerial dominance, Šeško is the perfect target for Fernandes’ pinpoint passes and crosses. The Portuguese star’s call for reinforcements after a 2-2 preseason draw with Everton has been answered, and fans can expect a dynamic partnership that could light up Old Trafford.
Losers: Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee – Bench Battles Loom
While fans are buzzing, Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee face an uncertain future. United’s strikers were a major letdown last season, combining for just seven Premier League goals and struggling both in and out of possession. Šeško’s arrival, coupled with manager Ruben Amorim’s preference for a single central striker in his 3-4-2-1 formation, likely relegates both to the bench. With United missing out on European football, minutes will be scarce, and neither Højlund nor Zirkzee can afford to sit idle. Højlund, signed for £72 million in 2023, faces questions about his fit, with reports suggesting United are open to offers around £40 million. Zirkzee, meanwhile, has struggled to adapt to the Premier League’s intensity. Šeško’s immediate starter status leaves the Dane and Dutchman fighting for scraps, potentially stalling their development.
Winners: Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha – Space to Shine
United’s other summer signings, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, are set to thrive alongside Šeško. Acquired for £65 million and £62.5 million respectively, the duo are slotted into the inside forward roles in Amorim’s system, playing just behind the lone striker. Šeško’s physical presence and pace will draw defenders, creating space for Mbeumo’s dribbling and Cunha’s flair. Both players were considered for the No. 9 role due to United’s striker woes, but Šeško’s arrival allows them to stick to their natural positions, maximizing their impact. Mbeumo, who ranked alongside Fernandes in expected assists last season, and Cunha, a versatile forward, form a potent attacking trio with Šeško. This new-look front line could transform United’s attack, which managed just 1.16 goals per game last season, into a force to be reckoned with.
Loser: Alexander Isak – Ripple Effects at Newcastle
Šeško’s move to United doesn’t just impact Old Trafford—it sends shockwaves to Newcastle United and their star striker, Alexander Isak. The Magpies had a bid accepted for Šeško as a potential replacement for Isak, who’s been linked with a £110 million move to Liverpool. United’s hijacking of the deal, driven by Šeško’s preference for Old Trafford despite Newcastle’s Champions League football, leaves Isak’s future uncertain. With time running out in the transfer window, a move to Anfield looks increasingly unlikely, and Newcastle may struggle to reintegrate a wantaway player. Manager Eddie Howe now faces the challenge of keeping Isak motivated or finding another replacement, making this a significant blow for the Magpies’ plans.
The Bigger Picture: United’s Ambitious Overhaul
Šeško’s signing is a cornerstone of United’s summer rebuild under Ruben Amorim, who’s tasked with reviving a club that slumped to 15th last season. With Mbeumo, Cunha, and young left-back Diego León already signed, United’s £214 million spending spree signals intent, but it comes with risks. The club’s financial flexibility is stretched, and offloading players like Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, and Jadon Sancho is crucial to balance the books. Šeško’s 39 goals in 87 appearances for Leipzig and 16 in 41 for Slovenia showcase his potential, but adapting to the Premier League’s intensity at 22 is no guarantee. If he clicks with Fernandes, Mbeumo, and Cunha, United could challenge for a top-four spot. However, the sidelining of Højlund and Zirkzee raises questions about squad harmony, and the lack of European football limits opportunities to keep everyone sharp. This transfer is a bold step, but its success hinges on Amorim’s ability to integrate his new stars.
Benjamin Šeško’s arrival at Manchester United is a statement of ambition, filling a critical gap in Ruben Amorim’s squad and igniting hope among fans. For Bruno Fernandes, it’s a dream come true—a lethal striker to convert his chances. For Mbeumo and Cunha, it’s a chance to shine in their best roles. But for Højlund, Zirkzee, and Newcastle’s Isak, it’s a harsh reality check. As United gear up for the 2025-26 season, Šeško’s impact could redefine their attack—or expose the risks of their high-stakes gamble.