Benjamin Sesko’s Challenges at Manchester United: Injury Concerns and Underwhelming Performance

Manchester United pursued the transfer of Benjamin Sesko for an extended period during the last transfer window, ultimately finalizing the deal in August for £74 million ($100 million) from RB Leipzig. The highly-rated Bundesliga player was a priority acquisition for the Red Devils, who aimed to address their goal-scoring deficiencies following a disappointing 2024-25 season.

Despite the hefty price tag, Sesko has yet to meet expectations, having scored only two goals in the Premier League and starting in just six of the 11 matches played by the club. In their most recent match against Tottenham Hotspur, which concluded in a 2-2 draw, manager Ruben Amorim introduced Sesko in the 58th minute, but replaced him shortly after due to a robust challenge from Micky van de Ven.

After the match, Amorim expressed concern regarding Sesko’s condition while refraining from commenting on his performance. He stated, “That is not the biggest concern now. That happens, especially with a striker. I am more concerned with an injury, because it’s in the knee. We don’t know, we need Ben to be a better team. I have no idea. Because it’s the knee, we never know.”

Newcastle legend Alan Shearer has weighed in on Sesko’s struggles, criticizing Manchester United for their significant expenditure on the transfer. In a statement to Betfair, he remarked, “One player that must do better for United is Benjamin Sesko. They paid over £70 million for him, which is a substantial amount, especially considering the market. He’s had a tough start, and I don’t expect huge things from him, to be honest. I think he’s a good player, but I’m not sure he’s much more than that. He should have scored a couple more goals than he has so far. It’s been a tough start, particularly given the money United paid.”

Following his injury during the Spurs game, Sesko was ruled out of action during the international break, raising questions about his participation in the World Cup qualifiers for Slovenia. National team head coach Matjaz Kek addressed the situation, saying, “With all due respect to a great club like Manchester United, we have officially not received anything yet; no papers, no documents. We would certainly like to get them. We want our medical team to also take a look at it. Our doctor is an expert in this field. I cannot comment, of course, I have certain information and I am also in contact with Beni. However, I can’t say anything because officially, we don’t know anything at all. United haven’t contacted anyone from our camp. Of course, I am concerned about the player; the only thing that matters to me is his wellbeing. We are prepared to do everything for that, and we have never sent anyone onto the field if there was the slightest risk. The national team is something very special, and I expect maximum respect from everyone. Slovenia deserves that, even if on the other side there is a powerhouse like England. After all, it has been quite some time since England defeated Slovenia, and that in itself says something about us.”

The 22-year-old has undergone several tests on his knee, and the club is optimistic that he has avoided a serious injury, believing he will recover swiftly. It remains to be seen whether Amorim will include Sesko in the matchday squad for their upcoming game against Everton after the international break on November 24.