Benjamin Sesko fires Liverpool warning amid Manchester United transfer interest

Manchester United's striker department has needed strengthening for some time. Last season, they were forced to rely upon Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani up top, both of whom were over the age of 35.

The former has made his wishes to leave Old Trafford this summer apparent in recent weeks, with Erik ten Hag instead deploying Anthony Martial to spearhead his attack throughout pre-season. Darwin Nunez was of interest to the recruitment team in Manchester, but Liverpool managed to acquire his services.

Nunez played for his new team in Salzburg on Wednesday night, but he wasn't the striker who caught the eye of spectators. Instead, it was a certain Benjamin Sesko who stole the spotlight.

READ MORE: United weighing up Sesko transfer after Murtough meeting

Just 19 years old, Sesko scored the only goal of the match to deliver a 1-0 victory for Red Bull, leading a counter-attack from deep and finishing with impressive composure.

Despite standing around 6-foot-4 and providing a real presence in the penalty box, Sesko was mobile enough to pose a threat behind Liverpool's defence, with Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez presented with the tricky task of keeping him quiet.

The Slovenian proved to be a handful for Klopp's outfit. In the 43rd minute, he assumed possession near the touchline and was closed down from either side by both Curtis Jones and James Milner, and there appeared to be no way out. Sesko somehow managed to escape the sandwich by improvising with a skilful spin, shielding the ball from Milner while backheeling it away from Jones.

He upheld the core principles of Red Bull football in his performance before being substituted at half-time, demonstrating a willingness to press and harry opponents while also leading