Manchester United have landed a big victory in the summer transfer market, and they couldn’t resist poking fun at Newcastle United after beating them to the signing of Benjamin Sesko.
On Saturday, United officially announced Sesko’s arrival from RB Leipzig in a deal worth £66.4 million upfront, with another £7.6 million in possible add-ons. That takes the total value to a huge £74 million.
The 22-year-old striker was introduced to the Old Trafford crowd before the club’s final pre-season friendly against Fiorentina. He signed a five-year contract and became the third major forward brought in by manager Ruben Amorim this summer, following Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
Sesko had been linked with Arsenal earlier in the summer. But as the window went on, the race for his signature became a straight fight between Manchester United and Newcastle United.
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In the end, the Slovenia international chose Old Trafford over St James’ Park, even though United are not playing in any European competition this season.
The decision was another blow to Newcastle’s frustrating transfer window. While the Magpies have managed to sign Anthony Elanga for £55 million from Nottingham Forest, they have missed out on several key targets. Sesko and Mbeumo went to United, Hugo Ekitike joined Liverpool, and Liam Delap and Joao Pedro signed for Chelsea.
To make things worse, Newcastle could still lose their star striker Alexander Isak to Liverpool before the transfer window shuts.
Manchester United’s social media team took the opportunity to rub it in. They posted two photos of Sesko with director of football Jason Wilcox on X (formerly Twitter), with the caption: “It was only ever United.”
The post quickly went viral. United fans filled the comments with memes and jokes aimed at Newcastle, while rival fans joined in the banter.
Newcastle fans had been hoping that Champions League football would be a major selling point for the club. After finishing fifth last season, they were confident they could beat United to certain signings. But Sesko made it clear he wanted to join United’s long-term project.
Explaining his choice, Sesko said: “The history of Manchester United is obviously very special, but what really excites me is the future. When we discussed the project, it was clear that everything is in place for this team to continue to grow and compete for the biggest trophies again soon.
“From the moment I arrived, I could feel the positive energy and family environment at the club. It is the perfect place to reach my maximum level and fulfil all of my ambitions. I cannot wait to start learning from Ruben and connecting with my teammates to achieve the success we are all capable of together.”
Ruben Amorim, United’s manager, was equally excited. Speaking to MUTV, he said: “Ben has the characteristics we needed. He’s young, good in the air, quick in the channels, and strong on the ball. He has great potential to improve.
“He’s the right personality for our group. I’m sure he will feel at home here very quickly. We are really happy to have him.”
Sesko’s arrival adds serious firepower to United’s attack. Amorim now has multiple options to rotate in the forward positions, with Sesko, Cunha, and Mbeumo all offering different strengths.
The signing also sends a message to the rest of the Premier League, United may have missed out on European football this season, but they are still able to attract top young talent.
It is a statement that Newcastle, in particular, will find hard to ignore. Despite their recent rise and Champions League qualification, they have struggled to close deals for their top transfer targets.
For United fans, the “It was only ever United” post was more than just a playful dig, it was a sign of growing confidence and a belief that the club is on the right track under Amorim.
Whether Sesko can live up to the hype will be revealed in the coming months, but his first message to the fans was clear: he is here to win.
And for Newcastle? This summer’s transfer market has been a tough reminder that history, prestige, and vision can still outweigh short-term success when players choose their next club.
