Benjamin Sesko's behaviour speaks volumes of new Man Utd man – 'I have to calm him down'
Manchester United have already received a ringing endorsement of new striker Benjamin Sesko from Slovenia manager Matjaz Kek. The Red Devils signed the RB Leipzig forward in a deal worth up to £74million, with Sesko penning a five-year contract at Old Trafford.
United boss Ruben Amorim is hoping Sesko can lead his new-look attack alongside Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. The 22-year-old is considered one of Europe's most exciting centre-forwards and joins United after netting 21 goals for Leipzig across all competitions last season.
The striker was on Arsenal's radar earlier this summer and ultimately opted to sign for the Red Devils over a move to Newcastle United. Slovenia boss Kek has witnessed Sesko's development over the last four years and knows exactly what the striker will offer United.
"From time to time, I have to stop him a bit and calm him down: it's just the amazing energy [that he has]," Kek told Italian reporters ahead of Euro 2024. "He is like a magnet, and such a positive one.
"It is clear that his likeability and splendid public appearances are making it known to little boys and girls that there is a lot of work, training, and sacrifices behind this [success]."
It appears Sesko's impressive attitude will slot seamlessly into the atmosphere Amorim is building at United. On the field, despite regularly playing alongside the physical Aleksandar Mitrovic for his country, Kek highlighted Sesko's commanding presence up front - a quality that will only have developed further over the past year.
"He is the modern striker par excellence," Kek said, as reported by Sky Sports. "I don't know where he will play next season, he will decide but, for now, I'll enjoy him this summer.
"We're talking about a physically strong centre-forward who has made great progress, also technically, month after month. He came to [the national team] when he was just a lad: a 17-year-old boy, and since then I have been watching him grow into a man. He has become a very important part of the team.
"Despite his youthfulness, he carries a sort of energy - the character of a diligent boy who would train day and night to achieve his goal."
Kek gave Sesko his Slovenia debut the day after his 18th birthday, with the forward netting 16 times in 41 appearances for his country. Sesko's new boss Amorim agreed with Kek's verdict before seeing the striker in action for United.
"He has the characteristics that we needed," Amorim told MUTV. "Ben is a player that, with all the information that we have, we need to stop the guy from working - it is not the opposite! That is also important.
"He is really young, he is good in the air, he is good running the channels, and he is good on the ball, so I think he has great potential. I think he can improve a lot. For sure, he is going to feel at home in our club. He is the right character in this group, so we are really, really happy to have him."
The arrival of a new striker is expected to help Amorim's team climb the Premier League table, considering no United player managed to reach 10 goals in the league last season. As the club prepare for their season opener against Arsenal on Sunday, Sesko is eager to play his part in returning United to their past glory.
"The history of Manchester United is obviously very special, but what really excites me is the future," Sesko said after joining the club. "When we discussed the project, it was clear that everything is in place for this team to continue to grow and compete for the biggest trophies again soon.
"From the moment that I arrived, I could feel the positive energy and family environment that the club has created. It is clearly the perfect place to reach my maximum level and fulfil all of my ambitions. I cannot wait to start learning from Ruben and connecting with my teammates to achieve the success that we all know we are capable of together."
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