- Benjamin Sesko has impressed at Man Utd
- Senior figure tips him to be even better
- Slovenian forward must have a better backup
Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko has been tipped to become an “amazing number nine” at Old Trafford. The Slovenian has burst into form since Michael Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim in January.
Sesko initially took his time adapting to life in the Premier League and in England. There were already many doubting him just months after joining the club from RB Leipzig in a £74m deal.
The 22-year-old proved his doubters wrong with superb performances since the turn of the year. He’s registered 12 goals in 32 games across competitions.
Sesko “will do anything to be better”
Sesko will have a full pre-season under his belt ahead of the 2026-27 campaign. That wasn’t the case last summer because he joined from Leipzig in early August.
A senior figure at the club has explained why fans could be set to see him star for the Red Devils next season. They said (via Andy Mitten of The Athletic):
“Amazing kid, very conscientious, wants to be the best version of himself, the ultimate professional. If there’s anything he can do to improve his performance, he’ll be doing it. He comes in early to prepare for training, he’s got his routine. He’ll do anything to be a better player. He’s smart, very self-aware. It’s a super strength, but it can be a weakness if overplayed. He cares — he really cares — and really wants to do well. He’s got all the attributes to be an amazing, amazing No 9 for Man United.”
Sesko is still young and has already shown huge potential in his debut season. Carrick’s influence seems to be valued by the player and the club:
“One of the things that I think Michael (Carrick) has done well is phase him in. Ben came in as this big hope with expectations around him. Ben would have felt that. Michael has just looked after him, brought him on, watched him score goals, amazing goals. You can see him growing in confidence month on month. We always knew that we were buying a player with growth.”
United fans have been desperately waiting for a prolific and reliable number nine to lead the line for quite some time. The likes of Rasmus Hojlund, Anthony Martial and Joshua Zirkzee all failed to be that man.
Sesko’s impressive displays haven’t just indicated that he has the ability to be the leading frontman for years to come. He’s shown that he can handle pressure and scrutiny, overcoming criticism during the first half of the season.
Sesko needs a new backup
While Sesko is unquestionably going to be up top for United next season, he still needs a better backup. Rotation will be crucial for Carrick’s team as they return to the UEFA Champions League.
Zirkzee has unfortunately faltered since arriving from Bologna in the summer of 2024 for £36.5m. The Dutch attacker’s future is in doubt, and his departure should prompt a replacement.
Should United be in the market for a new centre-forward, they need to factor in experience and availability. It’s no good swooping for another young prospect or a striker who has a worrying injury record.
