Benjamin Sesco shows why Manchester United paid £74m for him and were willing to loan Rasmus Hojlund after two difficult seasons at Old Trafford
Benjamin Sesco is on fire at Manchester United (Image: Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Benjamin Sesco has refused to wear the number 9 shirt at Manchester United as a tribute to Rasmus Hjøjlund. Sesco, 22, joined the Red Devils in August in a deal worth up to £74 million and was immediately named their first-choice striker.
Holjland, on the other hand, had fallen down the pecking order and it was clear United wanted to shift the load to the Dane, two years after paying him £72m. However, by the time of Sesco’s arrival, Hojlund’s loan move to Napoli was still far from being agreed, although it was finally confirmed on transfer deadline day.
When the time came for Sesco to choose his shirt number, The Athletic reported that United considered waiting for the Slovenia international until Hjølund left. However, with the 23-year-old still at the club, Sesco decided to wear number 30 out of respect for his then-teammate.
Napoli are obligated to sign Hjølund on a permanent contract if they qualify for the Champions League, so Sesco could be given the chance to wear the No. 9 shirt this summer, as he is in excellent form under manager Michael Carrick. The Serie A giants, who currently sit third, agreed a transfer fee of £38m in September.
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The player, on loan from United, has indicated he wants to remain at Napoli after winning the Italian Super Cup and scoring 13 goals in 34 games for Antonio Conte’s side. In a recent interview with Italian publication Il Mattino, Hoylund said he was looking forward to seeing more of the city and that he was enjoying living in Naples.
“Even though I’m not in the center, I’m dying to explore the alleys and the center of Naples, but I know it’s not easy to get around,” explained the striker. “I can feel the amazing energy that this city exudes.
“I feel it all the time. That vitality and character is everywhere, not just in Maradona, where we play. Despite many rumors from afar, this city is underrated and not in the slightest dangerous.”
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Napoli are likely to sign Rasmus Hojlund for £38m (Image: Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)
After a quiet start to the calendar year, Hoylund has scored four goals in his past seven appearances. “I’m like ketchup. When the sauce doesn’t come out, I’m there and I’m desperately trying to get it out, and then all of a sudden it comes out all at once,” he joked.
“It’s the same when you haven’t scored for a long time. It’s an incredible joy to score, but if the team and the manager believe in you, goals are like flowers that have to bloom. It’s only a matter of time.”
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