When the 2024–2025 campaign came to a close, Ruben Amorim made a pledge. After finishing 15th in the Premier League and losing to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final, he told the Manchester United supporters that he would bring his team back from the depths to which they had fallen.
Even though United lost to Arsenal 1-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon, there is no doubting that they played with greater unity and purpose than they did last season. However, there is still a long way to go before the Portuguese tactician can fulfill his dreams at the Theatre of Dreams.
After the game, Amorim even went so far as to say that the home team was superior, citing an enhanced display of attacking power from wide forwards Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, both of whom were joined this summer.
Having guys with so much Premier League experience already under their belts making their debut is a wonderful thing. Their comfort level against experienced English opponents was evident, and it might be essential in acclimating Benjamin Sesko to the situation.
Why Man Utd signed Sesko
Earlier this month, Manchester United successfully paid £74 million for Sesko, defeating Newcastle United in the fight to acquire the highly sought-after Slovenian.
The 22-year-old began the summer transfer window prepared to advance in his career after recording 39 goals and eight assists in 87 games for RB Leipzig, and he has achieved his goal.
Sesko has a lot of potential, but supporters should be mindful that he might need some time to adjust to the English game. Talent scout Jacek Kulig called Sesko “the new Haaland” because of his nasty combination of speed, power, and potency.
Sesko may not be the final product, but INEOS saw his potential and jumped at the chance, much like they did with Carlos Baleba of Brighton & Hove Albion. This month, the 21-year-old became United’s top midfield target, but the Seagulls have put an end to his exit.
Amorim was aware that his team required a new number nine, and the park’s center reflects this. A center midfielder would be crucial to securing a comeback, and Jason Wilcox has his sights set on the ideal man.
Man Utd in talks to sign new midfielder
Ben Jacobs, a transfer insider, claims that Manchester United has put Angelo Stiller, a midfielder for Stuttgart, to their late-window shortlist.
It’s no secret that Amorim wants to strengthen his core ranks in terms of technical skill and press resistance, and the 24-year-old German’s name has “come up in discussions” held recently, making Stiller an excellent addition.
According to rumors at the time, FSG had planned a bid of €60 million (£51 million), and Liverpool had expressed interest in May. The Red Devils might now jump in and take the midfield player for themselves, though, as nothing came of it.
What Angelo Stiller would bring to Man Utd
The German prospect is “one of the best sixes Germany has,” according to Stiller’s Stuttgart teammate Denis Undav, whose exceptional passing skills perfectly complement his innate combativeness in front of the backline.
According to data from FBref, Stiller is among the top 3% of central midfielders in Europe for through balls made per 90, the top 1% for progressive passes, the top 9% for shot-creating actions, and the top 3% for passes attempted during the previous 12 months.
A central motor that can direct play and control the flow across the three lanes is necessary for Amorim’s high-pressing vision. As United tries to break through a troublesome defensive line, Stiller can keep it neat in the middle and put those triangles together. He can also throw imaginative passes forward with remarkable precision.
| Angelo Stiller – Bundesliga Stats (24/25) | |
|---|---|
| Stats (* per game) | # |
| Matches (starts) | 32 (31) |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 8 |
| Touches* | 90.3 |
| Pass completion | 90% |
| Big chances created | 13 |
| Key passes* | 1.8 |
| Dribbles* | 0.6 |
| Ball recoveries* | 4.4 |
| Tackles + interceptions* | 2.3 |
| Duels won* | 4.2 (58%) |
| Stats via Sofascore | |
It’s safe to assume that Stiller, who was referred to as a “special” player by Dougie Critchley of Sky Sports, was playing brilliantly in the Bundesliga the previous season. He was a real workhorse and had all the skills necessary for a deep-lying midfield position in the Premier League.
Furthermore, it’s conceivable that Stiller, if he signs with United this summer, might have an even greater influence than Sesko by giving Amorim that last piece in the middle of the park.
Sesko, who came from the Bundesliga before moving to England, only managed 13 goals in the Premier League last season, falling short of the level of consistency that United supporters will be hoping for following a period of transitional development.
Furthermore, the youthful number nine needs to improve his passing a lot because he lacks the accuracy and fluidity with the ball that will be necessary if he wants to establish himself as a dominant focal point at the forefront of Amorim’s system.
While Sesko certainly has the potential to be a world-class attacking talisman, Stiller might prove to be a jackpot signing given everything that needs to be fixed at Old Trafford. This is not to diminish what could be the beginning of an amazing adventure between striker and club.
He has the roundedness of a midfielder designed specifically for the Premier League and is eager for the opportunity to establish himself at a top team. All that’s left for Amorim and INEOS to do is make it happen.
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