He can get Sesko firing: Man Utd making calls to sign £100m star
Manchester United’s heavy spending in the transfer market has been there for all to see in recent history, with huge funds being dropped on players who have failed to make the grade.
Ruben Amorim has already spent upwards of £200m since his appointment last November, adding to the £600m splashed by Erik ten Hag in just over two years.
The £800m spent has been wasted on countless players not at the level required for success in the Premier League, which has often resulted in numerous huge losses on various players.
As a result, it’s unclear how much the manager will have available to spend in the winter window, but it hasn’t stopped numerous top talents from appearing on their radar.
The January window could be make or break for the manager, with the 40-year-old needing to make full use of whatever funds he’s handed by the Red Devils hierarchy.
United make contact to sign PL superstar
Over the last couple of days, United have been in constant talks with Bournemouth over a deal to land Antoine Semenyo in January, with Amorim’s men looking to jump the queue for his signature.
The Ghanaian winger currently has a £65m release clause within his contract at the Vitality, but certain sides will have to act quickly, with such a clause ending on January 10th.
If the Red Devils are to complete any transfer for the 25-year-old this winter, they will likely have to fend off interest from rivals Manchester City, who are also keen on a move for his signature.
Semenyo isn’t the only Premier League star currently in their sights for January, with Nottingham Forest sensation Elliot Anderson another player being considered by the board.
According to David Ornstein, the Red Devils have already reached out to Sean Dyche’s side over a potential move for the 23-year-old who’s started every league game this campaign.
He also states the England international is the club’s top target at present, with the youngster seen as the perfect immediate and long-term solution to their midfield issues.
Ornstein stated: “We’re talking the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, plenty of others will be in the frame as well. I think some of them already calling Nottingham Forest, Manchester United have made their interest known. I think he’s top of their list, or there, or there abouts for a number six come this summer.”
Why Anderson would finally get Sesko firing at United
As part of Amorim’s recent shopping spree at United, he oversaw the completion of Benjamin Sesko’s arrival from German side RB Leipzig for a reported £74m.
Given the fee, the Red Devils fans were no doubt excited at the prospect of finding their leading talisman, but it’s safe to say the move has failed to take off as yet.
The Slovenian international has only netted two league goals out of his first 13 appearances, subsequently struggling to adapt to the demands of England’s top-flight.
He will certainly need time to get used to Amorim’s system, but any struggles could be eased if they complete a transfer to sign Anderson in the January window.
The English star may well be a box-to-box midfielder, but it’s his all-round game which could aid the 22-year-old with his efforts in front of goal in the final third.
His underlying stats showcase his talents at both ends, which could hand the manager the long-term fix to such an issue, which has often plagued him in 2025/26.
Anderson, who’s been dubbed “world-class” by one journalist, has completed 1.2 dribbles to date, whilst also winning 7.3 duels per 90 – showcasing his box-to-box talents – but also placing him in the top 5% of midfielders in the league.
Elliot Anderson – PL stats (2025/26)
Statistics (per 90)
Tally
Games played
17
Goals & assists
2
Pass accuracy
83%
Dribbles completed
1.2
Duels won
7.3
Ball recoveries
8.4
Progressive passes
8.4
Passes into final third
8.1
Stats via FBref
He has also made 8.4 recoveries of the ball per 90 in 2025/26, with his overall total of 142 in the first 17 outings, by far and away, the best of any player in England’s top-flight.
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However, it’s his efforts in possession that could hugely benefit Sesko at Old Trafford, with Anderson averaging a total of 8.4 progressive passes and 8.1 passes into the final third per 90.
Such numbers showcase the midfielder’s incredible ability at playing the ball into forward areas, which could see the Slovenian be the beneficiary of countless chances in front of goal.
To put Anderson’s numbers into context, he’s currently playing more forward passes than 95% of other midfielders in the league – a phenomenal feat for a deep-lying option.
Whilst he would reportedly cost around the £100m mark, a deal for the Forest star would certainly provide an immediate solution to the problems at the heart of the United midfield.
His creativity is certainly an added bonus, with such numbers only going to improve Sesko’s chances of success during his own time at the Theatre of Dreams.
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ByEthan Lamb