Man Utd urged to pull the plug on £40m transfer despite giving green light

Manchester United have been warned that it would be a mistake to offload Rasmus Hojlund amid talk that the Dane is free to leave Old Trafford following the signing of Benjamin Sesko.

The Red Devils struggled badly in front of goal last season and have spent big on bolstering their attack during the summer transfer window, clinching deals for Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Sesko, who completed his £73.7million switch from RB Leipzig over the weekend.

Sesko, 22, is expected to spearhead United's attack after both Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee failed to score goals on a regular basis last term.

Hojlund has subsequently been told that he is free to explore a move away from United in order to ensure he plays regularly in the new campaign with AC Milan keen.

But Mikael Silvestre, who represented the Red Devils between 1999 and 2008, says that his former club should not be letting Hojlund go under any circumstances amid suggestions Milan would meet United's £40m valuation of the forward with a £6m loan fee plus an option to buy permanently next summer.

READ MORE: Transfer news LIVE: Newcastle refuse to sell Isak, Man Utd line up exit after Sesko deal, Liverpool latest

READ MORE: Carlos Baleba sends message to Man Utd star as 'transfer contact made' over £100m deal

"Marcus Rashford has gone and there are not a lot of strikers around, Joshua Zirkzee is a different type of striker that doesn’t make those runs in behind the defence," the former central defender told Hajper, via The Metro.

"He is another type of player for certain games, certain opposition. But no, you need competition, need quality, so I wouldn’t rush into sending Rasmus Hojlund out on loan if Sesko signs. Absolutely not."

Hojlund scored 10 times in all competitions last term for United with just four coming in the Premier League. Sesko, on the other hand, plundered 21 goals for Lepizig and has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League since the end of last season.

Join the debate! Do you agree with Silvestre, Man Utd fans? Let us know here

Arsenal are long-term admirers of the Slovenia international but chose to pursue a deal for Viktor Gyokeres. That opened the door for United and Silvestre reckons Sesko is the right profile of striker for Ruben Amorim's preferred 3-4-3 system.

"Benjamin Sesko is an upcoming talent and he’s got certain qualities that could fit into Ruben Amorim’s style of play," the Frenchman added.

"He’s got presence, height, he’s good with his back against the defenders. He’s got the athleticism to respond to the physicality of the Premier League. He’s ticking a lot of boxes for sure."

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.