Benjamin Sesko sealed his move from RB Leipzig in time to be paraded before kick-off in the Snapdragon Cup game against Fiorentina, the last of United's pre-season fixtures in the summer of 2025.

The powerful striker was an exciting acquisition from the Bundesliga, with a number of other top clubs on his trail, ever since his emergence as a youngster of world-class potential. United have long been admirers but the centre-forward has taken a careful, methodical approach to his career, feeling the need to continue to prove himself, step by step. After playing his youth football in his homeland of Slovenia, most recently with Domzale, his first professional contract was signed with RB Salzburg. A highly successful loan spell to the Austrians' reserve-team Liefering, preceded a productive stint back at Salzburg and then a deal being struck with their sister outfit in Germany. A big name in Slovenia, he became their youngest-ever international in 2021, his performances at that level in the UEFA Champions League have convinced most observers that he is destined for the top.