Wayne Rooney has reacted to Manchester United’s decision not to roll the dice with one signing amid their pursuit of Benjamin Sesko back in the summer transfer window.
Benjamin Sesko became a top target for the Red Devils in the later stages of the summer window ahead of the start of the 2025-26 Premier League campaign.
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Manchester United beat fellow Premier League side Newcastle in the race to sign the 22-year-old Slovenia international from German side RB Leipzig back in August.
Former Arsenal target Sesko cost United an initial fee of £66.3m, with the Red Devils’ deal including add-ons that would take the transfer to £73.7m in total.
Sesko has only scored twice and registered one assist for the Red Devils in 14 matches across all competitions since his big-money move from RB Leipzig.
Wayne Rooney explains why Man Utd turned down a transfer for Dominic Calvert-Lewin and instead signed Benjamin Sesko
Benjamin Sesko has impressed for Manchester United at times, despite not consistently scoring for the Red Devils in the 2025-26 Premier League season.
The Slovenian forward was one of the many names linked with United in the summer, including the likes of Ollie Watkins and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Ruben Amorim has been left short of striking options in the United first-team squad this season, with Rasmus Hojlund leaving for Napoli in a loan deal in September.
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Dominic Calvert-Lewin has impressed at Leeds United and Wayne Rooney believes that the ex-Everton striker’s injury record prevented an Old Trafford switch.
“Well, there [were] talks where he was linked [with Man Utd], but I think purely not because of his ability as a player, but purely because of his injury record,” he said on BBC Sport’s The Wayne Rooney Show.
“It was very difficult for anyone to take that chance and take up a spot and spend the money on him.
“And I remember when there was talk of Leeds taking him and maybe going on as a player, and stuff like that.”
Wayne Rooney’s telling verdict on former Man Utd target Dominic Calvert-Lewin being at Leeds United
United were linked with Dominic Calvert-Lewin over the summer after the 28-year-old former England international left Everton following the end of his contract.
Leeds United rolled the dice with Calvert-Lewin back in August and signed him on a free transfer, with the former Everton star impressing for the Whites so far.
Calvert-Lewin has netted seven times in 15 Premier League matches and United legend Rooney believes that he should be considered for an England call-up.
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“And that’s where he was with his injuries,” Rooney added.
“And you forget, he’s still quite young, he’s still got a bit left in him. And you forget how good a player he is.
“And seeing him now and the goals he’s scored, and [being] in-form, confident, if he continues this, then there’s no reason why he shouldn’t be talked [about] or even get an opportunity to go to the World Cup.
“And purely because of the lack of forwards that England have got.”
United will return to Old Trafford on Thursday evening for their Premier League clash against Newcastle before signing off 2025 with their match against Wolves.
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