Benjamin-Sesko-Manchester-United
After an embarrassing campaign in 2024/25 for Manchester United, it was always going to be vital that the club bounced back in the Premier League last season.
Michael Carrick’s arrival seemingly allowed the players to perform at levels not seen at Old Trafford in many years, after the failed tenure of Ruben Amorim.
The 45-year-old certainly did benefit from the former manager’s £200m spending spree in the summer window prior to his appointment in February.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick reacts after the match
The Red Devils netted 25 more goals last term than in 2024/25, with one player in particular starring in Manchester after his mega-money switch 12 months ago.
How Sesko compared to other Premier League striker in 2025/26
As part of United’s big-money recruitment drive last summer, striker Benjamin Sesko arrived in a deal worth a reported £66.4m from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig.
Many across the division raised eyebrows at the magnitude of the transfer fee, but there’s little denying the 23-year-old has already proved to be money well spent.
||
|Man Utd's most expensive additions of all-time|
|Player|Fee (add-ons included)|Signed From|
|---|
|Paul Pogba|£89m|Juventus|
|Antony|£81.3m|Ajax|
|Harry Maguire|£80m|Leicester City|
|Romelu Lukaku|£75m|Everton|
|Jadon Sancho|£73m|Borussia Dortmund|
|Bryan Mbeumo|£71m|Brentford|
|Benjamin Sesko|£66.4m|RB Leipzig|
The Slovenian international netted 11 goals in the Premier League last campaign, subsequently ending the season at the top of the club’s goalscoring charts alongside fellow new signing Bryan Mbeumo.
His underlying stats also showcase his immediate impact at Old Trafford, which saw him outperform countless players in a similar position across the continent.
Benjamin Sesko for Manchester United
Sesko registered an impressive tally of 1.9 shots on target last term, whilst also achieving a 56% shot-on-target accuracy rate in England’s top-flight.
Both of the aforementioned figures were the highest of any player in Carrick’s senior ranks, whilst also placing him above 95% of other centre forwards in the division.
Another huge asset of his is his aerial ability, which saw him win 53% of his battles in the air - placing him above 92% of players in his position and offering the manager a focal point to play off.
Why United signing £60m star would be bad news for Sesko
Despite the impressive form of the 23-year-old last season, United have been on the hunt for added attacking reinforcements ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Victor Osimhen has been mentioned as one possible target for the Red Devils this summer, but a deal for the Nigerian could be a tricky one to complete due to his mammoth wage demands.
Galatasaray's Victor Osimhen is picture wearing a protective face mask
Galatasaray's Victor Osimhen is picture wearing a protective face mask
As a result, other options are currently being considered by INEOS, which has seen Newcastle United striker Nick Woltemade emerge on their shortlist.
CaughtOffside have provided the latest on the deal and stated that the German could depart St James’ Park after just one season - something which has alerted Carrick’s men.
They also claim a loan-to-buy deal could be a possibility for the 24-year-old this summer, which could see up to €65m (£60m) being spent to sign him on a permanent basis.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick reacts after the match
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick reacts after the match
Given the recent fire sale on Tyneside, it would be a surprise to no one if more were to depart the club this summer - with Woltemade one player who is capable of making an impact at Old Trafford.
His stats from last season showcase why he could be a superb addition for the Red Devils and potentially rival Sesko for a starting role upon any move before the end of the window.
The German star completed more of the passes he attempted last campaign than the Slovenian, whilst also registering more chances created per 90 in England’s top-flight.
Such numbers showcase his ability to operate as a target man, with Carrick a big fan of players who can provide the chances for other attackers in the final third.
Newcastle striker Nick Woltemade
Woltemade’s tally of 1.2 chances created per 90 not only betters that of Sesko, but it also places him in the top 18% of all strikers across Europe throughout 2025/26.
The Magpies star even achieved a better dribble success rate in forward areas, which could arguably make him a more effective all-round option than the current Red Devils number nine.
Whilst the German netted three fewer goals last term, he did manage to achieve a better conversion rate based upon the chances he was presented with in front of goal.
Woltemade scored with 44% of his shots on target - a number Sesko couldn’t match, which no doubt backs up analyst and reporter Bence Bocsak’s comment that he’s “one of the best finishers in Europe.”
It’s unclear if Newcastle would be willing to sanction a move away from Tyneside this summer, but the 24-year-old is a player who would add further quality to Carrick’s attacking department.
£60m could prove to be an excellent investment for the Red Devils, with the German able to push Sesko for a starting role - something which could see the Slovenian reach the next level as a result.
Man-Utd-Paul-Scholes