Manchester United’s new signing Benjamin Sesko has been compared to Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland, with one of his former coaches, Rene Aufhauser, insisting the Slovenian is already close to that elite level. Sesko, who joined from RB Leipzig after interest from Newcastle and Arsenal, has been tipped to reach the very top thanks to his mix of physical presence, speed and technical ability.
Sesko compared to Haaland by former Salzburg coachUnited beat Arsenal and Newcastle to his signatureStriker tipped to become one of Europe’s best strikersFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Sesko scored 39 goals in 87 games for RB Leipzig before sealing a move to Old Trafford this summer. Manchester United beat off strong competition for his signature, hoping he can become their long-term attacking leader. At 22, the 6ft 4in forward has drawn direct comparisons to Haaland for his power, pace and aerial threat, and Aufhauser, who has coached both strikers, believes that Sesko can reach the levels Haaland has shown.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT AUFHAUSER SAID
Speaking to Sky Sports, Aufhauser said: Rene Aufhauser, who previously coached both Haaland and Sesko at Salzburg, said: “Erling Haaland, I will rate him 10 out of 10.
"I think Erling is [an] outstanding striker, and Benji, I think at the moment, maybe he's a nine, nine and a half out of 10. And he has also potential. He will develop in the next one and two years, I'm sure.
"Erling reached his mark after his transfer from Dortmund to Man City and we will see. I am quite sure Benji will reach this mark after one or two years. But of course, Erling is the top. He has 10 out of 10 from me.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Sesko’s move gives United the kind of physical striker they have been missing in recent years. While comparisons with Haaland are inevitable, the Slovenian’s technical skillset and ability to link play could offer Ruben Amorim a different type of weapon. If Sesko adapts quickly, United could finally have the clinical presence they have craved since the days of Robin van Persie.
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR SESKO?
Sesko will be under immediate pressure to hit the ground running in the Premier League. His debut season will likely be judged against Haaland’s remarkable impact at Manchester City, but United will be patient as he adjusts.