Manchester United could well have identified a potential, long-term centre-forward solution ahead of the summer transfer window, amid reports that manager Erik ten Hag is eyeing a move for Red Bull Salzburg sensation, Benjamin Sesko.

What’s the latest on Benjamin Sesko to Man Utd?

According to Football Insider, the Red Devils are currently ‘keeping tabs’ on the 19-year-old striker with one eye on a potential swoop in the coming months, despite the teenager having previously agreed to join sister club RB Leipzig on a £21m deal next season.

As ESPN previously outlined, however, the German outfit could be inclined to instantly part ways with the Slovenian marksman if they do receive a big offer this summer, hence opening the door for United to pounce.

There had been reports last year that suggested the Old Trafford outfit were keen on striking a deal for the 6 foot 5 powerhouse, while The Athletic also previously revealed that the Premier League giants had opted against securing the player’s signature for just £2.5m back in 2019, as the fee was deemed ‘excessive’.

Could Man Utd repeat their Erling Haaland error?

Talk of signing an exciting, teenage forward from Salzburg will no doubt send shivers down the spine of some at the Theatre of Dreams, with the club having previously missed out on acquiring Erling Haaland from the Austrian side in the recent past.

The Norwegian giant had burst onto the scene after scoring eight goals in his first six Champions League group stage appearances for the Bundesliga side back in 2019, with United having been linked with a move in the following January window.

Despite the prolific gem’s links to his former Molde boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – who had recommended the youngster to those back in Manchester years earlier – Haaland ultimately opted to join Borussia Dortmund at the start of 2020, before sealing a £51m move to rivals Manchester City last summer.

United have since had to watch the 22-year-old net 27 goals already this season in the league alone – with three of those coming in the 6-3 derby defeat at the Etihad – with it undoubtedly set to sting that they could not get a deal wrapped up when they potentially had the chance.

The aim now, however, will be to avenge that blunder by snapping up Sesko ahead of next season, with the towering asset already showing signs that he could potentially emulate the current City star, having provided 29 goal involvements in only 67 games for Salzburg.

The 17-cap hotshot had also previously bagged 22 goals in just 44 games while on loan at lower league side FC Liefering, having been lauded as something of a “machine man” in front of goal by talent scout, Jacek Kulig.

Also described as a “complete forward” by Kulig, the one-time Domzale youth star has unsurprisingly earned comparisons to the aforementioned Haaland due to his physical stature and finishing prowess, with the player himself commenting on that likeness:

“My team-mates at the club tell me that Haaland and I are very similar, especially in terms of speed. Most of them even tell me that I’m better than him!”

With Ten Hag and co craving a solution to their number nine woes – with Anthony Martial frequently ruled out through injury – then turning to Sesko could prove a dream scenario for the former Ajax boss, such is the forward’s undoubted potential.

Having let Haaland slip through their fingers, the Old Trafford hierarchy can’t make the same mistake again.