BREAKING: “It’s better I walk away. I don’t think I can compete with him” — Benjamin Šeško prepared to quit Manchester United amid striker shake-up
Manchester United’s transfer plans appear to be triggering shockwaves within the squad, with Benjamin Šeško reportedly reconsidering his future after the club reached an agreement to bring in a striker viewed internally as an upgrade on him.
Sources close to the situation suggest the Slovenian forward has been left deeply frustrated by the development and now believes his path to regular minutes at Old Trafford is rapidly narrowing.
According to those familiar with the player’s thinking, Šeško feels the arrival of a more established and highly rated striker would immediately relegate him down the pecking order.
Rather than remain on the fringes and fight what he considers a losing battle, the 21-year-old is said to be leaning toward an exit that would allow him to continue his development elsewhere.
The sentiment reportedly expressed by the player — that he cannot realistically compete with the incoming forward — underlines the scale of United’s ambitions in the transfer market and the unintended consequences of that strategy.
While the Šeško situation unfolds, attention around Old Trafford has also been drawn to developments involving Portuguese midfielder Mateus Fernandes, whose name has been heavily linked with Manchester United in recent weeks.
The Fernandes opportunity — and why United were watching closely
Earlier reports suggested United were closely monitoring Fernandes’ situation at West Ham United, particularly amid fears the London club could be dragged into a relegation battle.
According to coverage referenced by The Peoples Person, there was speculation that Fernandes’ contract contained a release clause that could be activated if West Ham were relegated, potentially allowing him to leave for a significantly reduced fee.
The same reports claimed INEOS viewed Fernandes as a smart market opportunity — a technically gifted, high-energy midfielder who could be secured for a cut-price £27 million, far below the £42 million West Ham paid Southampton to sign him.
To avoid such a financial hit, it was suggested the Hammers might consider selling Fernandes as early as January to recover a more respectable sum.
This naturally fueled debate over whether United would move swiftly to beat rivals — particularly Manchester City — to the deal.
West Ham shut down the rumors
However, a major twist has since emerged. According to Claret and Hugh, West Ham officials were reportedly astonished by claims surrounding a relegation-linked release clause. When approached on the matter, the club dismissed the reports outright.
“Not true,” was West Ham’s blunt response when asked whether Fernandes’ contract included such a clause.
The outlet further stated that Fernandes will not be available at a discounted price under any circumstances. As a result, any club interested in signing him would need to meet a premium valuation rather than banking on a bargain escape route.
Fernandes’ impact despite West Ham’s struggles
What is beyond dispute is Fernandes’ influence on West Ham’s season. In a team that has struggled for consistency, the Portuguese midfielder has stood out as one of their most reliable and energetic performers.
He leads the squad in passes completed, ball recoveries, and tackles, while also ranking second for both chances created and assists.
His versatility across midfield roles — combined with his work rate and technical quality — makes him an attractive option for Manchester United as they consider a major overhaul of their midfield department.
With Casemiro expected to depart and questions persisting over Manuel Ugarte’s long-term role, Fernandes fits the profile of a modern, all-action midfielder United badly need.
That said, United are not alone in their interest. Manchester City’s involvement adds a layer of complexity, potentially driving up the price and turning Fernandes into one of the most fiercely contested midfield targets in the market.
As United weigh up major decisions across multiple positions, the possible exit of Šeško and the pursuit of Fernandes highlight a club in transition — ambitious, aggressive, and willing to make difficult choices in pursuit of elite-level improvement.
