How a shirt and an AI video helped Man Utd land Benjamin Sesko

Manchester United made a targeted pitch that persuaded Benjamin Sesko to join Old Trafford rather than move to Newcastle, despite the Magpies offering a higher salary. Head of recruitment Christopher Vivell and director of transfer negotiations Matt Hargreaves led the approach, which included an AI-generated video showing United fans wearing his shirt and presenting a Red Devils' shirt to the striker.

Sesko's agent Elvis Basanovic brought the shirt to the forward while he was in pre-season with RB Leipzig; the player put it on, looked at the United badge and told his representative: "Just make it happen." United completed a £74 million signing and, after a slow start, Sesko has hit a rich vein of form since January, scoring seven times in eight matches and nine in total since joining.

Off the pitch he has settled into a house in Cheshire with a private gym, sauna and football pitch, fitting double-glazed windows to aid sleep and sharpen fitness.

England, Manchester

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