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Does Benjamin Sesko Fit Manchester United?
Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

With Manchester United set for another crucial rebuild under boss Rúben Amorim, the hunt for a reliable striker is heating up again. Names have been tossed around all summer, but Benjamin Šeško keeps surfacing as one of the top targets. The big question is, does he fit United’s system, their style, and most importantly, their ambitions? Let’s dive into what Šeško brings to the table and whether he is the answer to United’s attacking problems.

Šeško: The Physical Monster With Room To Grow

Standing at 6’5”, Benjamin Šeško is a forward built like a brick. He is not just tall and strong, he is quick, athletic, and surprisingly agile for someone his size. After a strong season at RB Leipzig, where he scored 27 goals and provided six assists in all competitions, the 22-year-old is clearly on the radar of Europe’s elite.

However, he is not yet finished with the product. According to data from FBref, Šeško averages 0.43 non-penalty goals per 90, which puts him around the 69th percentile among his peers. He is excellent in the air, winning about 2.6 aerial duels per 90 minutes, but interestingly, he does not get a ton of touches in the box, just under 4 per game. That suggests he likes to drift wide or take shots from distance, rather than play as a traditional penalty-box poacher.

If you’ve seen him play, you’ll know he’s raw but exciting. Think more of Darwin Núñez than Erling Haaland, a physically dominant striker who can break games open, but who might frustrate fans with inconsistency in front of goal.

Can He Fit Amorim’s United?

Under Amorim, United is moving toward a more vertical three-in-the-back system. That means they need a striker to hold up the ball, stretch defenses, and run the channels. Someone who won’t just wait for service but actively contributes to transitions. That’s where Šeško’s profile gets interesting.

Unlike Rasmus Højlund, who’s had a mixed time adapting to the Premier League, Šeško already looks more physically mature and suited to the rough-and-aggressive English football. His ability to combine pace with power makes him an ideal outlet on the break. He’s comfortable dropping deep to link play or dragging defenders out of position.

What’s more, his age and ceiling make him the kind of long-term project that could flourish under Amorim’s coaching. Analysts have noted how Šeško’s work ethic and football IQ are improving rapidly, which bodes well for a manager like Amorim, who thrives on tactical discipline and fast transitions.

What About the Price Tag and the Competition?

Here is where things get tricky. Šeško isn’t going to come cheap. Reports say RB Leipzig want around €70–80 million, and United’s budget has already taken a hit this summer with over £130 million spent on players like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.

That’s not the only concern; Newcastle United are hot on his trail, too. With Alexander Isak reportedly on the verge of a big-money move to Liverpool, Newcastle will have the funds and the need to replace their star forward. Some sources even suggest they’ve already opened talks with Leipzig.

United, meanwhile, is believed to be confident it can persuade Šeško to choose Old Trafford. However, it may depend on offloading players like Jadon Sancho or Antony to make room financially. Bayern Munich is also quietly monitoring the situation, which could throw another wrench into United’s plans.

Why Šeško Makes Sense

At 22, he’s got a decade ahead of him and the potential to become elite. His physical tools (pace, strength, height) are made for the Premier League. Amorim’s system suits his profile perfectly. If he develops into the player many expect, there’s clear resale value.

Where It Gets Risky

He’s still raw. The finishing isn’t always there, and the decision-making can be off. He doesn’t live in the box like some classic No. 9s, so he might not bring the instant goals United crave. The fee is enormous, and given United’s financial situation, it may force them to miss out elsewhere.

Some fans have suggested Ollie Watkins would be a better buy. More Premier League proven, more clinical, and they are not wrong. Watkins is 29, won’t get much better, and won’t have much resale value. Šeško is the opposite: high risk, high reward.

Final Thoughts

If Manchester United want instant results and safe bets, Šeško might not be the guy, but if they are thinking about building something for the future, if they want a striker who can grow into a central figure for years to come, then Šeško fits the vision. He will not be perfect from day one, but under Amorim, in a team built to transition quickly and exploit space, Benjamin Šeško could become a serious weapon with the likes of Cunha, Bruno, and Mbeumo.

This article first appeared on Total Apex Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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