2025-08-08T10:39:00Z

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What if I told you that a 20-year-old footballer is under more pressure than most seasoned players combined? That's the reality for Benjamin Sesko, Manchester United's latest acquisition, who is now expected to fill the shoes of legends like Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney. Yes, folks, he's just 20, and he's already a whopping £73.7 million signing for one of the world’s most scrutinized football clubs.

Hailing from Austria, Sesko has already netted 27 goals in 64 appearances in the Bundesliga, showcasing talent that has drawn comparisons to some of the game's greatest. But now, stepping into the iconic red jersey, can he handle the heat? At Manchester Airport, he seemed to try to blend into the shadows, but the spotlight of Old Trafford is relentless, and there’s no escaping it.

Sesko, who was born in 2003, is no stranger to high expectations. He’s come from a league that has produced incredible talents, just like Rasmus Hojlund, another player whose debut season left fans wanting more. With a target of at least 16 goals set for this season, Sesko's burden is heavy. Hojlund's struggles have raised eyebrows, and the question on everyone’s lips is whether Sesko will follow in his footsteps or break the mold.

In his first season, Hojlund managed only 26 goals in 95 appearances, a stat that has left many scratching their heads. Was he ever really the striker United needed? Hojlund’s rocky start has left fans and players alike questioning his capabilities. He’s faced criticism from teammates, and his work ethic has been called into question. And now, in pre-season, his frustrations are spilling over, with reports of him kicking posts and arguing with teammates.

Interestingly, Hojlund had to contend with the burden of expectations set too high, especially when compared to players like Erling Haaland, who took the Bundesliga by storm before moving to the Premier League. Hojlund recently remarked, “I’m still very young,” a reminder that not every star shines bright at the same age. The competition is fierce, and while he insists he’s ready to fight for his position, those close to him are skeptical.

In contrast, Sesko is viewed as a different kind of player, one who had previously captured the attention of United when he was just 19. Back then, the club expressed interest but deemed his valuation too high. Now, they’ve more than doubled that figure, paying nearly as much as they did for Romelu Lukaku in 2017, a decision that still haunts fans.

As Sesko gears up to debut against a rival club that once wanted him, he’ll have to shake off the pressure of being a fourth-choice striker who cost nearly £74 million. With other promising talents like Viktor Gyokeres and Ollie Watkins being scouted before him, it raises the question: is Sesko really worth the hype?

And let's not forget the historical context. Sesko’s name is now mentioned alongside Shearer and Rooney, two of the Premier League's greatest scorers, which is both a privilege and a curse. With 468 goals between them, the weight of such comparisons can be crushing. If Sesko can rise to the occasion, he might just prove to be as vital a signing as Bruno Fernandes. But one thing is clear: there’s no hiding place in Manchester.