Benjamin Sesko
MUN
Center Forward
Playmaking Forward
May 31, 2003 (23)
Right
6'5"
187 lb
Requires time to recover
Sesko (shin) underwent another assessment at Carrington this week as he continues his recovery from an atypical injury that requires time to heal, according to Slovenia manager Bostjan Cesar, per Steven Railston. "He needs time, he needs good rehabilitation - and Slovenia needs him too, once he is fully healthy."
Analysis: Sesko remains without a firm return timeline, with Slovenia manager Bostjan Cesar's comments suggesting the striker will need a patient rehabilitation process before returning to action. He had already withdrawn from Slovenia duty after missing the match against Fulham, allowing him to remain with Manchester United and focus on his recovery. Sesko had scored twice across his previous four appearances in all competitions before the setback, while Matheus Cunha or Bryan Mbeumo could continue through the middle during his absence.
Withdraws from Slovenia squad
Sesko has withdrawn from the Slovenia squad for the upcoming international break and will undergo further tests this week before an individual recovery plan is determined, according to the club.
Analysis: Sesko's withdrawal from international duty comes after he missed Sunday's match against Fulham due to the shin pain he experienced following the Carabao Cup clash with Brighton. The striker remains without a firm return timeline, with the upcoming tests expected to provide further clarity on his recovery. Sesko had scored twice across his previous four appearances in all competitions before the setback, and he'll hope to be available when Manchester United return against Tottenham on Oct. 10. Matheus Cunha or Bryan Mbeumo could continue through the middle if Sesko remains unavailable.
Shin injury still under assessment
Sesko remains without a clear timeline after missing Sunday's game versus Fulham due to an issue about which manager Michael Carrick commented "he felt some pain after the [Brighton] game and we are assessing him at the moment. He definitely wasn't ready for today. I haven't got any more news to give you, just that he felt pain on his shin."
Analysis: Sesko will likely work on his recovery over the international break and could be sidelined for a longer period if the situation turns out to be serious. He was building momentum prior to this situation, scoring two goals over his last four appearances (two starts) across all competitions and showing flashes of his finishing ability in that span. If Sesko remains out, Joshua Zirkzee is the only natural striker on the roster, but they're more likely to use either Bryan Mbeumo or Matheus Cunha in the middle of the front line.
Out with injury
Sesko is out for Sunday's match against Fulham after experiencing pain following Wednesday's Carabao Cup loss to Brighton, according to coach Michael Carrick. "He just felt a little bit of pain after the game the other night. We're assessing that. Hopefully, it's not too bad but we will have to see."
Analysis: Sesko is sidelined against Fulham after developing pain following his start in Wednesday's Carabao Cup defeat to Brighton. The exact nature and severity of the injury remain unclear, though manager Michael Carrick indicated there is hope the issue is not serious. The striker had already missed preseason with a shin problem before returning to action, making his condition worth monitoring over the international break. Matheus Cunha starts through the middle Sunday and remains Carrick's preferred option in that role in Premier League play.
Not spotted in travelling squad
Sesko is a doubt for Sunday's trip to Fulham after not being seen with the travelling squad, Steven Railston of the Manchester Evening News reports.
Analysis: Sesko appears unlikely to be involved against Fulham, though nothing has been confirmed and it is not yet clear whether the absence is injury related. The striker missed pre-season with a shin problem and has looked short of sharpness since returning, but he has been available throughout and started the midweek defeat to Brighton before coming off in the second half. Should he sit this one out, Matheus Cunha would likely continue through the middle, which has been coach Michael Carrick's preferred league arrangement in any case.
Fires off one shot
Sesko recorded one shot (zero on goal) in Sunday's 1-0 loss against Manchester City.
Analysis: Sesko would enter the field for United for the final 23 minutes of the game, still yet to start a match in league play this season. He would see a few touches on the ball and get a shot off, although it was off target. He was a decent source of goals last season with 11 in 30 appearances (17 starts), but his limited time heavily limits what he can do.
Scores on two shots
Sesko scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) in Thursday's 4-0 victory over Sabah FK.
Analysis: Sesko didn't have the best day during Thursday's win, but against opposition that couldn't really hang with him he did perfectly well. The forward was lethal with his best chance and finished well during the rout. Sesko will have to make more chances if he wants to keep scoring in tougher matches.
Pushing 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.
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