Manchester United Target Randal Kolo Muani Amid Benjamin Sesko Transfer Battle

Manchester United have identified Paris Saint-Germain’s Randal Kolo Muani as a new striker target as they compete with Newcastle United for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko. Manager Ruben Amorim, determined to overhaul United’s attack after a 15th-place Premier League finish with just 44 goals last season, is pushing to secure a proven No. 9 before the September 1 transfer window closes.

Kolo Muani Emerges as Alternative

• Interest in Kolo Muani: United have joined the race for PSG’s 26-year-old French striker Randal Kolo Muani, who is available after being relegated to training with PSG’s youth team. Kolo Muani scored eight goals in 16 appearances during a loan at Juventus last season, and PSG are open to a £52 million deal, though Juventus prefer another loan. United see him as a viable option due to his World Cup final impact and versatility.
• Why He’s a Target: Amorim seeks a dynamic forward to complement recent signings Matheus Cunha (£62.5m from Wolves) and Bryan Mbeumo (£71m from Brentford). Kolo Muani’s Premier League suitability and availability make him a fallback if United miss out on Sesko.

Sesko Transfer Fight Intensifies

• United’s Pursuit: United are in talks with RB Leipzig for 22-year-old Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko, who has an “agreement in principle” with both United and Newcastle for a five-year contract. Leipzig have lowered their asking price to around £60–70 million, a discount from the earlier £68–86 million, after Arsenal pivoted to Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres. United’s director of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, a former Leipzig executive, is pushing for Sesko, citing his 21 goals in 45 games last season and 6’5” physicality.
• Newcastle’s Competition: Newcastle’s urgency to replace Alexander Isak, who is nearing a £130 million move to Liverpool, has them aggressively pursuing Sesko. They’ve offered a significant salary, but Sesko reportedly prefers United, impressed by their project despite lacking Champions League football.
• Challenges: Sesko’s contract until 2029 gives Leipzig leverage, and United’s £133.5 million summer spending may force a choice between Sesko and Kolo Muani. Rio Ferdinand has questioned Sesko’s readiness, urging United to target Brighton’s Carlos Baleba instead for midfield dynamism.

Context and Implications
United’s striker hunt follows the loan departure of Marcus Rashford to Barcelona and potential exits of Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee, who managed just seven Premier League goals combined last season. Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system needs a focal point, and Kolo Muani’s experience or Sesko’s potential could transform their attack. However, missing out on previous targets like Gyokeres (to Arsenal), Hugo Ekitiké (to Liverpool), and Liam Delap (to Chelsea) adds pressure to secure a deal swiftly. A potential swap involving United’s Alejandro Garnacho for Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson has also been mooted, but Sesko and Kolo Muani are the current focus.

Developing Story
United are set to submit formal offers for Sesko soon, while Kolo Muani’s availability offers a quicker, cheaper alternative. With pre-season underway and the Premier League starting August 17, Amorim faces a race to finalize his attacking lineup. Note: Transfer fees and negotiations are fluid; final deals may shift as the window nears its close.