Benjamin Sesko is quickly making his presence felt at Manchester United. Despite a rocky start at Old Trafford, the 22-year-old Slovenian striker has emerged as one of the standout Premier League signings of last summer. His recent impact off the bench in United’s away win over Everton has drawn praise from pundits and fans alike, sparking debate over whether he is currently ahead of fellow summer recruits Hugo Ekitike and Viktor Gyokeres.
Instant Impact Against Everton
Sesko needed just 13 minutes to break the deadlock at Goodison Park, turning the tide in Manchester United’s favor and securing a 1-0 lead that helped lift the Red Devils to fourth in the Premier League table. Capitalizing on a precise cross from Bryan Mbeumo, Sesko fired a powerful shot into the bottom-right corner, marking his eighth goal across all competitions since joining from RB Leipzig.
His Premier League tally now stands at seven goals, with three coming in the last four appearances—all as a substitute. Notably, Sesko has yet to start a league match under interim manager Michael Carrick, with his last full 90 minutes dating back to a caretaker spell under Darren Fletcher against Burnley on January 7, a 2-2 draw in which he scored twice.
Standing Out Among Summer Signings
While other strikers like Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres and Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike have shown scoring prowess—both netting 15 goals across all competitions, with ten in the Premier League—talkSPORT presenter Angelina Kelly believes Sesko’s contributions go beyond mere statistics.
“We are seeing a very different Benjamin Sesko,” Kelly said on Inside Devils. “He plays with confidence, his touch is refined, and he’s remarkably composed for someone so young.”
Other notable summer signings include Chelsea’s Joao Pedro with 11 league goals, Leeds’ Dominic Calvert-Lewin with 10, and Bournemouth’s Junior Kroupi, who netted eight goals in his debut season. Newcastle’s Nick Woltemade sits level with Sesko on seven goals. However, Kelly emphasizes that Sesko’s efficiency, technical control, and composure make him exceptional among the group.
Ready for a Starting Role
Kelly argues that Sesko is more than ready for a starting position, particularly in the upcoming match against Crystal Palace. “He deserves the chance. Compared to other Premier League signings last summer, he is arguably the best. There are arguments for Hugo Ekitike, but his recent form has dipped,” she added.
Despite being primarily used as a substitute, Sesko’s confidence has not wavered. Kelly noted that his ability to perform under pressure highlights his maturity and resilience—a quality crucial for top-tier strikers.
Comparisons with Legends
Alex Crook, talkSPORT’s lead football correspondent, drew parallels between Sesko and Manchester United legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who famously thrived as a supersub under Sir Alex Ferguson. Crook believes Sesko could follow a similar trajectory, gradually securing a key role in United’s attack.
“Ole spent much of his career coming off the bench, especially during the treble season, playing behind Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke, much like Sesko is doing now,” Crook said.
Carrick faces strategic decisions in the coming weeks, including adjusting Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to wider positions, allowing Sesko to lead the line. Co-host Flex urged Carrick to unleash Sesko fully, highlighting the momentum the young striker is building.
“He’s gaining confidence, fans are behind him, and there’s great anticipation. Let him grow, give him the start!” Flex commented. “He’s talented, unselfish, and has a fantastic character.”
Commitment Behind the Scenes
Beyond matchday exploits, Sesko’s work ethic is drawing attention. He reportedly arrives early for training sessions and leaves last, determined to hone his skills. Flex emphasized that internal staff see Sesko as a potential long-term star for Manchester United, reinforcing the notion that the club views him as a cornerstone of its attacking future.
“From what I hear, he’s dedicated, focused, and Carrick genuinely believes in his potential. The future looks bright for Sesko, and it’s exciting for fans,” Flex concluded.
Conclusion
Benjamin Sesko’s rapid rise at Manchester United underscores that impact is not solely measured by starting appearances or raw goal totals. With his technical skill, composure, and match-winning instincts, he is increasingly being recognized as a standout performer among Premier League summer signings. Comparisons with Hugo Ekitike and Viktor Gyokeres may continue, but Sesko’s blend of talent and professionalism makes a compelling case for him being the brightest prospect of the batch—one whose influence could shape United’s attacking dynamics for years to come.
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