Lean, mean, Slovene machine! The story of Benjamin Sesko

Like Haaland, there’s dizzying pace and strength. But there’s also a touch of Zlatan’s acrobatic flexibility and love of improvisation.

“Since I’ve been small, I’ve been watching him [Ibrahimovic],” he told MUTV, in his signing interview. “Every single YouTube video that I can find! Because he’s just amazing for me, you know. We don’t have the same, let’s say, character, but I like to see the way he plays, the way he enjoys football. Basically it’s just been my dream, maybe one day, to meet him. That would be great. He’s my idol.”

AND OFF THE FIELD?

Away from football, Sesko enjoys playing
and watching basketball, and also told
RB Leipzig’s club media that he likes to
meditate at least once a day and pays
close attention to his mental wellbeing
– even studying books and theories
on the subject.

In the statement that
accompanied news of United’s signing,
director of football Jason Wilcox noted
that his character was a key component
of the club’s decision to buy him.

“Benjamin possesses a rare
combination of electrifying pace and the
ability to physically dominate defenders,
making him one of the most exceptional
young talents in world football,” said
Wilcox. “We have followed Benjamin’s
career closely; all of our data analysis
and research concluded that he has the
required qualities and personality
to thrive at Manchester United.”

Media reports claim United have
tracked the player since he was a
teenager, before he joined RB Salzburg
in 2019, while Arsenal and Newcastle’s
interest has also been noted. For Sesko,
the decision to join United was not only
due to the magic of the club’s traditions,
but also the ambition for the future.

“It’s a historical club that is
unbelievable,” says our new no.30. “For
me, the team is great, it is getting better
and better, and that’s why also there is
just stuff that made you come there: it
gives you this energy that you want to be
part of. It’s just a great project in general.”