And then there was one. After narrowing down their striking targets to two – Ollie Watkins and Benjamin Sesko, it seems Man Utd are going for potential over ability.
Benjamin Sesko has emerged as Man Utd’s preferred striker target, with the club starting informal talks with Leipzig for a player who could complete a trinity of blows on Newcastle this window.
The choice will divide opinion, with Man Utd fans wary of having another Rasmus Hojlund-like situation, but Sesko’s potential is salivating if it pans out.
The deal also has big ramifications for the power dynamic at Old Trafford, as a previously understated voice has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in a manner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s “best in class” hire never could.
Benjamin Sesko’s Man Utd talks put Christopher Vivell in focus
Christopher Vivell’s pedigree in scouting talent is unquestionable, but it is easily forgotten that Vivell first joined United in an interim capacity.
He quickly won a permanent role, becoming the head of recruitment at a club where recruitment has been the biggest pain point in the last decade.
However, he was still the “outside hire” in terms of the club structure, since his title seemed to appear out of thin air, as “head of recruitment” is not something every club has, unlike director of football or technical director.
Therefore, United prioritising Sesko over Watkins solidifies a power dynamic at the club which could have massive ramifications for the club’s future strategy.
Vivell’s endorsement of Sesko’s ability has probably swung the deal in the Slovenian’s favour, and United eventually pivoting to the player based on it is as big a vindication for Vivell’s credentials as anything else.
Striker was a position United needed to get right at any cost, and Vivell has had the final say in it. That is unlike what Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s “best in class” hire did when United last made their big decision.
Dan Ashworth sank in a sink-or-swim situation
The difference in how Vivell and Dan Ashworth’s recommendations have been perceived during two of Man Utd’s biggest decisions under Ineos is stark.
When Man Utd were looking for Erik ten Hag’s replacement, it was famously reported that Ashworth’s recommendations “irritated” Ratcliffe.
This was the supposedly “best in class” hire Ratcliffe wanted to secure as his first major one at Man Utd before even Jason Wilcox or Vivell.
It was to be the start of a souring of a relationship that eventually came to an end in less time than it took for Ashworth to arrive at Old Trafford.
Big decisions always end up having massive consequences and snowball effects. The decision to appoint Ruben Amorim ended up giving a hammer blow to Ashworth’s voice and influence.
In the same manner, Vivell’s influence at the club has grown massively with their choice to prioritise Sesko. Now, if he arrives, it will be up to Sesko to validate the argument of his biggest admirer at the club.
The influence can easily fall off a cliff just as quickly as it rose.
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