FOOTBALL
By Eishna Rawat
Posted on July 30, 2026 1:00 am | Updated on July 29, 2026 3:05 pm Benjamin Sesko is set to return from his shin injury before United’s Premier League opener.
MANCHESTER UNITED
Full name: Manchester United Football Club Nickname: The Red Devils, United Founded: 5 March 1878 as Newton Heath LYR FC – 24 April 1902 as Manchester United Ground: Old Trafford Owners: Manchester United plc (71.06%) and Ineos (28.94%) Co-chairmen: Joel… Read More about MANCHESTER UNITED
Man United are dealing with an injury concern in the striker department, and the latest news suggests Benjamin Sesko could be back in contention soon. A shin problem kept him out of the first two pre-season friendlies, but the club now has a fixture in mind for his return.
Benjamin Sesko Injury Update and What Happened
It was during Manchester United’s 3-2 victory over Liverpool on May 3 that the shin trouble first surfaced. At the time, the Red Devils offered few details on how bad the injury was. As reported by The Sun, that knock forced the striker to sit out the final three matches of last season. He has not featured since.
Benjamin Sesko missed the pre-season friendlies against Wrexham and Rosenborg. He spent that stretch working through a rehabilitation plan at Carrington instead. Those two early games were never part of that plan. People at the club insist his recovery is progressing well.
While the early absence looked concerning, the coaching staff chose caution over risk. It is a sensible approach, given the circumstances. United are leaning heavily on their main striker this season, with no similar backup option at the club.
Benjamin Sesko for Manchester United in 2025/26, as per FOTMOB:
Competitions Matches Starts Goals Assists
Premier League 30 17 11 1
FA Cup 1 1 1 0
EFL Cup 1 1 0 0
Return Timeline and Premier League Fixtures
There is better news on the training pitch, with the 23-year-old back outdoors since last week. That puts him in contention to feature against Atletico Madrid in Stockholm this weekend. As reported by Sports Mole, there are no long-term concerns over his fitness. The club expects him to be fully available before the new campaign gets underway.
From there, the plan looks fairly clear. As reported by The Sun, a start against Paris Saint-Germain in Gothenburg on August 8 looks likely for Benjamin Sesko, after which the squad heads to Dublin for a six-day training camp. A game against Leeds United follows at Croke Park on August 12. That fixture serves as the final tune-up before the Premier League opener away at Hull City on August 22.
Football schedules only get tougher from here, so easing him back gradually makes sense. Rushing him now would risk another costly setback. Patience from the coaching staff looks like the smarter call this season.
Benjamin Sesko Comeback Boosts Striker Depth
His absence handed Joshua Zirkzee more minutes than expected. The Dutchman started against Wrexham and Rosenborg while the main striker recovered. United would prefer to sell him, though a deal is not simple. As reported by GOAL, United would need around £21million to break even on a player who cost £36.5million when he joined in 2024. With several Italian clubs keeping tabs on him, a temporary Serie A switch appears the more realistic outcome before the window closes.
Meanwhile, the club is also exploring extra support up front. United have moved to play down any Danny Welbeck link, denying contact took place before Chelsea stepped in with interest of their own in the Brighton striker. As reported by Sky Sports, Welbeck scored 13 Premier League goals last term and now has one year left on his Brighton contract. Chelsea currently look like favourites to land him.
Ultimately, the forward line hinges on how quickly Benjamin Sesko rediscovers full sharpness after a frustrating end to last season. If the recovery stays on schedule, fans should see their number nine back leading the attack well before the opening weekend. His return would be a timely boost for United ahead of the new campaign.
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Eishna Rawat
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