Benjamin Sesko’s growing influence at Manchester United
Just over a year since Benjamin Sesko walked in the door at Manchester United and it remains difficult when it comes to judging how good he really is, reports BritPanorama.
Originally recruited as the Red Devils moved on from Rasmus Hojlund after two challenging years at Old Trafford, the Slovenia international has showcased flashes of his potential. Yet, to ascend to the status of a true superstar, consistent performance is essential.
Sesko has recently scored in his last two outings for United. On Sunday, he came off the bench to score a header against Everton, believing he had secured victory for his side before a late equaliser from Ainsley Maitland-Niles. Shortly after, he netted the third goal in a comprehensive win over Sabah, signifying a promising start to United’s Champions League campaign.
However, his journey has not been without obstacles. Initially struggling during the Manchester derby defeat to Manchester City last September, Sesko achieved only a 53.8 per cent passing accuracy as his side suffered a heavy loss. He was not alone in facing challenges, as teammates Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo were also adapting to their roles, leaving United’s attack looking disjointed.
As November approached, he had recorded just two goals in 11 appearances, prompting criticism. During this period, former manager Ruben Amorim defended him against a barrage of negative assessments, acknowledging the difficulties players often face while settling into a new environment.
Despite a rocky start, Sesko’s trajectory changed with the arrival of Michael Carrick in January. By the end of Amorim’s tenure, he had scored two goals in 18 matches. Under Carrick, his performance improved dramatically, taking his total to 16 goals.
Significant moments punctuated the latter part of the previous season. Notably, he scored a stunning equaliser against West Ham, netted a last-minute winner against Fulham, and found the back of the net in a high-stakes victory over Liverpool in May. These contributions were bolstered by goals against other clubs, including Aston Villa and Everton.
Despite his resurgence, he remains a work in progress, not yet on par with established stars like Erling Haaland across town. Sesko’s contributions at times appear sporadic, and his passing to teammates can still be erratic.
As United gear up to face City in the Manchester derby this Sunday, there’s a growing belief that they may have a genuine star on their hands. Whether he can convert his recent improvements into one of the season’s defining moments against Haaland remains to be seen.
