Pre-season is a time for fresh starts and a couple of Manchester United stars have reported back this summer sporting transformed physiques
Bryan Mbeumo of Manchester United in action during a first team training session at Carrington Training Ground
Bryan Mbeumo has reported for Manchester United's pre-season looking noticeably leaner compared to last term(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Manchester United fans may do a double-take when looking at two returning stars in particular this pre-season. That's after Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko reunited with the rest of the squad, looking transformed compared to when they were last seen playing for the club.
United's pre-season got off to a less-than-glorious start after succumbing 1-0 to Wrexham in Helsinki last Saturday. Michael Carrick's side are clearly still getting up to speed after the summer break but have time on their hands to reacclimate.
Mbeumo started in the 1-0 defeat to Wrexham, while Sesko is still recovering from the shin injury he suffered in May. However, his time on the sidelines clearly hasn't stopped the Slovenian from training altogether after appearing to have added some significant bulk this summer.
The opposite is true for Mbeumo, whom fans have suggested looks noticeably leaner upon his return to the squad. That's not to say the Cameroonian had a lot of weight to lose in the first place, though it seems his off-season programme has included a fair bit of conditioning at the very least.
A new batch of photos released from United's pre-season camp thus far showed Mbeumo training in a vest alongside his team-mates. And the choice of attire pointed to a trimmed-down version of the winger coming into the 2026/27 campaign.
Mbeumo's frame also suggested he's intentionally dropped a little bit of muscle mass as his chest appeared slightly smaller. This could hint the 26-year-old has been encouraged to focus his training on stamina or speed and less so on building power.
Then there's Sesko. TNT Sports uploaded a post comparing the striker's frame on arrival at Old Trafford last year, compared to the striker fans are seeing this summer, and it's fair to say United's golden boy has now become a man.
The £66million signing (rising to £74m) from RB Leipzig has always had a slightly lankier physique, which is quite natural at 6'5". However, he appears to have filled out considerably, as his upper body in particular looks several sizes bigger compared to this time last year.
It's natural that training can centre around an unaffected area when attempting to keep the burden off an injury. And Sesko has clearly been putting the time to good use during his recovery if these first glimpses of his new upper body are anything to go by.
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The 23-year-old already proved himself capable in the target man role last season and showed promise as a hold-up player in attack. However, that side of his game promises to benefit dramatically from this bigger and better version.
Sesko is entering a crucial sophomore season at United arosfter growing into his role as the tip of Carrick's spear last season. Mbeumo also arrived last summer and bears a heavy responsibility this term as the club looks to build on an impressive third-place league finish.
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