Will United Add a Striker: Højlund Responds as Šeško Links Resurface
Rasmus Højlund’s preseason goals in the United States couldn’t have come at a better time. The 22‑year‑old scored in the 2-1 win over West Ham in New York after hitting the post earlier with a bursting run, and followed that up in Chicago against Bournemouth with an early goal, strong link‑up play, and constant movement. Those displays arrived just as fresh reports connected United to RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Šeško, their top forward target this summer over Amorim’s choice in Ollie Watkins. Whether that chase will end with a contract being signed remains to be seen, but the tension around the role has become one of the biggest questions of United’s summer.
Ruben Amorim has been clear that he likes what he is seeing from his current No. Nine: “The ability for him to hold the defender and to connect in the support is helping us a lot to play better, and we are playing better because he is playing better,” Amorim told reporters after the Bournemouth match. He added, “I am really happy with Rasmus. I don’t know what is going to happen until the end of the market. The important thing is that the strikers that are here are working well, are improving, are helping the team, and that is the most important thing.”
Šeško has been on United’s list before. They explored a move for him last summer but backed away due to Leipzig’s price tag and eventually pursued other options, including the addition of Joshua Zirkzee. The price remains significant at $85m, £64.8m, so a deal is far from a foregone conclusion. If it does happen, it would create a fascinating competition: Højlund, Šeško, and Zirkzee all fighting for minutes. The internal battle between Højlund and Zirzkee had already started last season, albeit pitifully, but the addition of Šeško would certainly help Amorim drive standards as he seeks to establish the foundation for his first full season at United.
Until a new striker arrives, this conversation is just speculation. Preseason form often fades once the real matches begin, and United’s dismal tally of just 44 goals in 38 league games last season was their lowest ever in a single Premier League campaign. If they are serious about fixing that, adding Šeško, Ollie Watkins, or any striker who can raise competition for Højlund and Zirkzee is an absolute necessity.
