Benjamin Sesko
MUN
CF
Playmaking Forward
May 31, 2003 (23)
Right
6'5"
187 lb
Man UtdPushing for starting role
Sesko is in contention to start Thursday's Champions League clash against Sabah after scoring off the bench against Everton on Sunday, according to coach Michael Carrick. "Ben is close, obviously. He's obviously getting closer and closer. He missed a lot, since the Liverpool game [last season], it's a long time to miss. We had to manage it and get him fit, he trained three-and-a-bit weeks fully, with no restrictions."
Analysis: Sesko strengthened his case for a starting role by scoring after coming off the bench against Everton, continuing his progress following a lengthy absence. The striker has now trained without restrictions for more than three weeks and appears ready for an increased workload. With United facing three matches in quick succession, manager Michael Carrick is expected to rotate his attacking options, giving Sesko a realistic chance of entering the starting XI against Sabah.
Scores late off bench
Sesko scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) in Sunday's 2-2 draw versus Everton.
Analysis: Sesko made the most of another limited opportunity, rising at the back post to power Luke Shaw's cross beyond Jordan Pickford and briefly put United 2-1 ahead. It was his first goal of the Premier League season despite coming off the bench in each of the opening three matches, giving him an important early return while he continues to build his fitness. His two shots in only 20 minutes also highlighted the penalty-box presence and finishing threat he can provide, and performances like this should strengthen his case for increased playing time.
Pushing for first start
Sesko is continuing to build his fitness and could be closer to making his first start of the season in Sunday's Premier League clash against Everton, according to coach Michael Carrick. "Ben's improving, he's been improving his fitness all the time. [...] I'm really happy with how he's come back, so looking forward to seeing him on the pitch a little bit more."
Analysis: Sesko has been limited to substitute appearances after missing the entirety of preseason, but his workload appears ready to increase. Manchester United have deliberately taken a patient approach to avoid setbacks, and manager Michael Carrick's latest comments suggest the striker is moving closer to being ready for a starting role. Matheus Cunha remains competition to lead the line, though Sesko should at least be in line for increased minutes Sunday.
Enters as substitute
Sesko took an off target shot as a substitute during Saturday's 2-0 loss to Hull City.
Analysis: Sesko entered the match in the 67th minute but did little to swing the momentum to United's side. Matheus Cunha was selected ahead of Sesko to lead the line on Saturday, with playing time being the biggest question for Sesko moving forward.
On bench for opener
Sesko is included on the bench for Saturday's league opener against Hull City.
Analysis: Sesko is working back from a shin problem that flared up during the victory over Liverpool in May, an issue that proved more stubborn than first expected and kept him out of every pre-season fixture. He has been following a rehabilitation program at Carrington throughout the summer and only returned to full training with his teammates in the past week, which explains why he is being eased in with a place among the substitutes rather than a start. Given he managed seven goals in 13 games (six starts) under head coach Micheal Carrick last season, United will want to build his match fitness back up gradually before restoring him to the starting lineup.
Pushing to be involved
Sesko (lower leg) is in training and is "pushing to be involved" Saturday against Hull City, according to manager Michael Carrick. "Ben's back training, so that's, again, another positive. Looking forward to having him back around the group and getting him some minutes as well."
Analysis: Sesko's presence in training is a step in the right direction, but based on Carrick's words, the Slovenian might not be ready to start in this season opener, with the best-case scenario being to come off the bench. That means Matheus Cunha could lead the line Saturday against the Tigers. Sesko made 30 Premier League appearances last season, including 17 starts, scoring 11 goals and adding an assist.
Back with group at Carrington
Sesko (lower leg) trained with Manchester United's squad Tuesday at Carrington, according to the club.
Analysis: Sesko's return to the group marks progress after he was left out of the traveling squad for Saturday's preseason finale against AC Milan due to a lower leg issue. He made 30 Premier League appearances last season, including 17 starts, scoring 11 goals with an assist, and United will be hopeful of having him fully available as the new campaign gets underway. Sesko is expected to continue building up his sharpness now that he's back working with the full squad. His involvement in training this week should offer a clearer picture of his readiness for the season opener.
Left out of squad vs. Milan
Sesko (lower leg) is not part of Manchester United's squad for Saturday's final preseason match against AC Milan, the club announced.
Analysis: Sesko had been working his way back on the training pitch with hopes of possibly featuring in this fixture as he continues his recovery from a lower leg injury, but his exclusion suggests he's not quite ready yet. Bryan Mbeumo is expected to start up top in his absence, with Joshua Zirkzee also an option, until Sesko is fully fit. He made 30 Premier League appearances last season, including 17 starts, scoring 11 goals with an assist, and United will hope to have him available heading into the start of the new season. Sesko is expected to continue building toward full training as the season opener approaches.
Hope for minutes soon
Sesko (lower leg) could get some minutes in Saturday's friendly against AC Milan in Wroclaw, according to Tyrone Marshall of the Daily Mirror.
Analysis: Sesko has been working his way back on the training pitch this offseason as he continues his recovery from a lower leg injury, and the potential for minutes against Milan would mark a significant step forward. He made 30 Premier League appearances last season, including 17 starts, scoring 11 goals with one assist, and United will hope to have him as an option heading into the start of the new 2026/27 Premier League campaign.
Training Thursday
Sesko (lower leg) was viewed working on the training pitch Thursday, according to his club.
Analysis: Sesko is continuing his recovery from injury this offseason, as the forward was pictured on the training field Thursday. This will hopefully lead to him joining the team in the coming weeks as they build up fitness ahead of the season. The forward would work into 17 starts in 30 appearances last season, earning one assist and 11 goals, so they will hope to have him as an option to begin the campaign.
Remains in rehab
Sesko will not be part of Manchester United's squad for Saturday's first preseason friendly against Wrexham in Helsinki, as he continues his rehab from a shin injury, according to Tyrone Marshall of the Daily Mirror.
Analysis: Sesko's continued absence confirms his recovery is still ongoing after previously being kept out of released training footage as he worked through a tailored program with the medical staff. With the club's next friendly not until July 24 against Rosenborg, Sesko will have plently of more oppotunities to play before the start of the season given the planned six friendlies for United, although his progression toward full training will be one to track closely in the coming weeks.
Begins rehab fitness work
Sesko reported for preseason training but was not featured in training imagery released by the club as he continues a rehabilitation program, according to Samuel Luckhurst, per United Pride.
Analysis: Sesko is working through a tailored program with Manchester United's medical staff as he builds toward a return to full training. The forward's absence from released footage suggests a cautious approach is being taken with his buildup. No specific injury has been disclosed at this stage, leaving his timeline for full training unclear. Sesko is expected to be gradually reintegrated as his fitness work progresses.
Out vs. Brighton
Sesko (lower leg) won't be an option for Sunday's game against Brighton, according to manager Michael Carrick.
Analysis: Sesko missed the 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest last week due to a shin injury, and he won't be an option for this game as well. The Slovenian forward was a bit inconsistent at times, but all things considered, he enjoyed a decent first year at Old Trafford. He bagged 11 goals across 30 appearances (17 starts) in the Premier League.
Not an option Sunday
Sesko (lower leg) is ruled out for Sunday's clash against Nottingham Forest.
Analysis: Sesko has been unable to recover from the lower leg issue that had left him doubtful, with manager Michael Carrick confirming he was still not 100 percent and that his situation was not as straightforward as some of his teammates heading into the weekend. The forward had shown no positive signs of being able to train fully in recent days, and Manchester United opted against risking him with their top-four spot largely secured. His availability for the final game of the season will be monitored closely, with the club unwilling to take any unnecessary risks with his fitness at this stage of the season.
Unlikely for Sunday
Sesko (lower leg) remains doubtful for Sunday's match against Nottingham Forest, according to manager Michael Carrick. "Ben's not as straightforward as Case. He's still not 100 per cent. Apart from that, we're alright."
Analysis: Sesko is looking to be unlikely to feature Sunday as the club faces Forest, as the forward is still yet to train and has not received a very positive update. This will leave his chances of returning slim, as the club will not want to risk him while already having third place pretty much secured. Even if he were to feature, it would likely be in a minor role from the bench.
Misses call Saturday
Sesko (shin) is ruled out for Saturday's clash against Sunderland.
Analysis: Sesko has been unable to recover from the shin injury that forced him off at halftime of Sunday's win over Liverpool, leaving Manchester United without one of their most important attacking contributors for the trip to Sunderland. The Slovenian striker had opened the scoring before the early exit and has netted 10 goals across all competitions since the new year, making his absence a significant concern for manager Carrick's side. Bryan Mbeumo is expected to slide into the striker role in his place, although it is Joshua Zirkzee getting the nod against the Black Cats Saturday. Sesko's availability for the remaining fixtures of the campaign will be monitored closely.
May not start vs Sunderland
Sesko (shin) was forced off at halftime of Sunday's win over Liverpool with a shin injury, leaving his availability for Saturday's clash against Sunderland uncertain, according to coach Michael Carrick. Per the Man Utd article, "Carrick was not asked about Sesko's situation in the first part of his press conference but did admit he will look to perhaps provide some minutes to players who have not been regular starters, during our final three matches of the campaign."
Analysis: Sesko had opened the scoring before the shin issue forced his early exit, adding to what had already been a sore area heading into the fixture. The Slovenian striker has been one of Manchester United's most important attacking contributors since the new year, netting 10 goals across all competitions during that stretch, making his potential absence a significant concern. Manager Michael Carrick was not directly asked about Sesko's status but indicated he would look to give minutes to players who have not featured regularly in the final three matches of the campaign. Bryan Mbeumo remains a strong candidate to slide into the striker role should Sesko be unable to go Saturday.
Scores goal before shin issue
Sesko scored one goal to go with three shots (two on target) before being forced off at halftime of Sunday's 3-2 win over Liverpool after aggravating a shin issue he has been managing for some time, according to coach Michael Carrick. "He got a bang on his shin when he fell down the side of the pitch. It's something that he's been carrying for a little bit as well, so we've had to manage him a bit but he's certainly had a bang right on the same spot. It's as simple as that really. He's been carrying a bit of a shin problem for some time and it was when we got pushed into the hoarding and down the dip."
Analysis: Sesko fired home the second goal in Sunday's win against Liverpool before a shin issue forced him off at halftime, and the club will evaluate the extent of the setback over the next few days before deciding on his availability moving forward. The knock to an already sore area raises concern for Manchester United given how crucial the Slovenian striker has been up top, especially after netting 10 goals across all competitions since the new year. If he's sidelined for any stretch, Bryan Mbeumo is a strong candidate to slide into the striker role until he's back.
Back on scoresheet
Sesko scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) and one chance created in Monday's 2-1 victory versus Brentford.
Analysis: Sesko didn't see many opportunities Monday but did well with his one shot, scoring and eventually winning the match for his club. This brings the forward to double-digit goals this season, also adding an assist. However, with two straight games only earning one shot, he will need to find more opportunities to continue the second-half success he has found this campaign.
Struggles Monday
Sesko generated three shots (three on goal) in Monday's 2-1 loss against Leeds United.
Analysis: Sesko just couldn't find his finishing touch during Monday's loss. He took three shots and put all three of them on goal, but it wasn't enough to make a real difference in the match. Sesko just couldn't beat Karl Darlow, and was left frustrated. The volume and accuracy are nice, but he will need to be more efficient to close the campaign.
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