Benjamin Sesko was thrilled to move to Manchester United and it appears he already has a friend at the club, as one new signing made a huge sacrifice for the Slovenian
Benjamin Sesko has been reunited with his favourite No. 30 shirt at Manchester United, after fellow summer signing Diego Leon gave him the number. Sesko, 22, was unveiled at Old Trafford during United’s recent friendly against Fiorentina.
He arrived in a deal worth £66.4million with potential add-ons of up to £7.6m. There will be a lot of pressure on Sesko, as well as fellow forward recruits Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
It has become apparent his new team-mates are doing their best to make himself feel at home. One star who has gone above and beyond is Leon, who gave up his first ever United shirt number to give it to the Slovenian international.
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Leon, who arrived shortly after Cunha from Paraguayan side Club Cerro Porteno, was initially given the No.30 shirt when he joined the club. After Sesko arrived, the young left back gave up his number – despite wearing it in friendlies against West Ham United and Bournemouth – so the forward can be handed his favourite shirt.
For Leon, his move to United is a significant moment in his young career and it’s likely his first United shirt will mean a lot to him. His decision to part with it and take the No.35 instead demonstrates his selflessness and ability to see the bigger picture.
Sesko has worn the No.30 since 2020, when he was playing for RB Salzburg, before moving to RB Leipzig in the 2023-24 campaign. After his arrival on the red side of Manchester, he was paraded to jubilant United fans at Old Trafford, before his new side went on to draw 1-1 with Fiorentina.
Shortly after securing his move, Sesko did not contain his excitement. He told the official Manchester United website: “It’s just a historical club that is unbelievable. For me, the team is great.
“It is getting better and better and that’s why also there is just stuff that makes you come there, gives you this energy that you want to be part of. I think it’s a great project, in general, and I can’t wait to start, definitely.
“It’s already been amazing. I can already feel that we’re going to be a great family and it is a pleasure to be part of it. It feels good.
“The thing is it [the badge] fits well and I’m looking forward to just playing in it a lot and to represent the club in the best way possible.”
Big things will be expected from Sesko, who was also subject to immense interest from Newcastle United in the summer and from Arsenal, until the north Londoners opted to focus on Viktor Gyokeres instead.
Last season, Sesko contributed 21 goals and six assists in 45 appearances in all competitions for Leipzig. He was particularly impressive in the Champions League, where he netted four goals in eight appearances.
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
