Manchester United reject Barcelona interest in Benjamin Sesko after one season at Old Trafford

Manchester United have firmly dismissed reports linking Benjamin Sesko with a move to Barcelona, insisting the £73 million striker is not for sale after just one season at Old Trafford.

Spanish newspaper Marca reported that Sesko features on Barcelona’s shortlist of striker targets as the Catalan club seek a replacement for Robert Lewandowski, who is leaving the Nou Camp after four years. Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy is also said to be under consideration, while Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez remains Barcelona’s primary target — though a deal for the Argentine has yet to be agreed. There has also been a suggestion that Atletico could turn to Sesko themselves if Alvarez departs.

United, however, are giving those reports short shrift. The club view Sesko as their long-term No. 9 following Rasmus Hojlund’s permanent departure to Napoli for £38 million, and have no plans to sanction a sale.

The 23-year-old joined from RB Leipzig last summer and, after a slow start, finished the season strongly with 12 goals in 32 appearances — 11 of them in the Premier League at a rate of one every 149 minutes. Seven of those goals came after Michael Carrick was appointed to replace Ruben Amorim in January, and Sesko is expected to play a more prominent role next season.

Sesko featured in all but one of the 31 Premier League games he was available for, though he started only 17 times and began just six of Carrick’s 17 matches in charge. Carrick and first-team coach Travis Binnion both developed a strong working relationship with the striker, with Sesko undertaking individual training sessions to sharpen his game.

United were encouraged by the impact Sesko made in his debut campaign and regard him as central to their attacking plans going forward.