Imagine stepping into the colossal shoes of football legends like Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney just as you begin your career. That’s precisely the daunting reality for Benjamin Sesko, Manchester United’s latest recruit, who’s already feeling the weight of sky-high expectations after a jaw-dropping £73.7 million transfer.

At just 20 years old, Sesko’s journey has already seen him score 27 goals in 64 Bundesliga matches, proving he’s no stranger to the pressure cooker that is European football. But can he deliver at a club like Manchester United, where the spotlight is as intense as a World Cup final?

This past Thursday night, under the unforgiving glare of photographers at Manchester Airport, Sesko attempted to evade attention. But let’s face it: there’s no hiding for a striker at Manchester United, especially one who carries a price tag that's higher than most of us will ever see in a lifetime.

Born in 2003 in Austria, Sesko has been making waves in one of Europe’s top leagues, just like his compatriot Rasmus Hojlund. The bar is set high for Sesko—he’s expected to net at least 16 goals this season, matching Hojlund’s first-year tally at United. But history shows that transitioning to Manchester United isn’t a walk in the park.

Let’s take Hojlund as a case study. He arrived at United with a lot of promise but only managed to score three goals in his last 35 appearances, leaving many fans scratching their heads. Was it the pressure? The expectations? Or perhaps it was just not the right fit for him?

To be fair, Hojlund, only 22 himself, voiced his frustrations, stating, “I’m still very young,” as if trying to deflect the burden of expectations that often crush young talents. He made a valid point: not every young striker can shoot to fame like Erling Haaland, who turned his back on United for a more secure path in the Bundesliga.

Unlike Hojlund, Sesko comes into this role with a reputation that preceded him; United even attempted to sign him three years ago when he was just 19. Back then, the club valued him at £15 million, but now they’ve more than doubled that amount—a whopping £73.7 million. We’re talking about a hefty investment that mirrors the club’s desperation to find a world-class striker.

While Sesko is undoubtedly talented, it’s important to acknowledge the other players in the equation. Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres was also a target for United, only to have Sesko emerge as the chosen one. Talk about a nail-biting decision for both the players and the fans! With the transfer market being as unpredictable as a Premier League match, one has to wonder: was Sesko really the best choice?

To top it all off, Sesko finds himself entwined in an age-old rivalry between Manchester United and Newcastle United, a battle that dates back to when Shearer and Rooney were at their pinnacle. The fact that Sesko’s name comes up in the same breath as them is both exciting and intimidating—imagine needing to deliver the same caliber of performance as two of the greatest strikers in football history while still trying to find your footing.

As Sesko gears up for his new life at Manchester United, he’s not just joining a team; he’s stepping into a legacy. There’s no escaping the pressure, but perhaps that’s exactly what will drive him to greatness.