Benjamin Sesko
MUN
Center Forward
Playmaking Forward
May 31, 2003 (23)
Right
6'5"
187 lb
Requires time to recover
Sesko (shin) underwent another assessment at Carrington this week as he continues his recovery from an atypical injury that requires time to heal, according to Slovenia manager Bostjan Cesar, per Steven Railston. "He needs time, he needs good rehabilitation - and Slovenia needs him too, once he is fully healthy."
Analysis: Sesko remains without a firm return timeline, with Slovenia manager Bostjan Cesar's comments suggesting the striker will need a patient rehabilitation process before returning to action. He had already withdrawn from Slovenia duty after missing the match against Fulham, allowing him to remain with Manchester United and focus on his recovery. Sesko had scored twice across his previous four appearances in all competitions before the setback, while Matheus Cunha or Bryan Mbeumo could continue through the middle during his absence.
Pushing for starting role
Sesko is in contention to start Thursday's Champions League clash against Sabah after scoring off the bench against Everton on Sunday, according to coach Michael Carrick. "Ben is close, obviously. He's obviously getting closer and closer. He missed a lot, since the Liverpool game [last season], it's a long time to miss. We had to manage it and get him fit, he trained three-and-a-bit weeks fully, with no restrictions."
Analysis: Sesko strengthened his case for a starting role by scoring after coming off the bench against Everton, continuing his progress following a lengthy absence. The striker has now trained without restrictions for more than three weeks and appears ready for an increased workload. With United facing three matches in quick succession, manager Michael Carrick is expected to rotate his attacking options, giving Sesko a realistic chance of entering the starting XI against Sabah.
Enters as substitute
Sesko took an off target shot as a substitute during Saturday's 2-0 loss to Hull City.
Analysis: Sesko entered the match in the 67th minute but did little to swing the momentum to United's side. Matheus Cunha was selected ahead of Sesko to lead the line on Saturday, with playing time being the biggest question for Sesko moving forward.
On bench for opener
Sesko is included on the bench for Saturday's league opener against Hull City.
Analysis: Sesko is working back from a shin problem that flared up during the victory over Liverpool in May, an issue that proved more stubborn than first expected and kept him out of every pre-season fixture. He has been following a rehabilitation program at Carrington throughout the summer and only returned to full training with his teammates in the past week, which explains why he is being eased in with a place among the substitutes rather than a start. Given he managed seven goals in 13 games (six starts) under head coach Micheal Carrick last season, United will want to build his match fitness back up gradually before restoring him to the starting lineup.
Pushing to be involved
Sesko (lower leg) is in training and is "pushing to be involved" Saturday against Hull City, according to manager Michael Carrick. "Ben's back training, so that's, again, another positive. Looking forward to having him back around the group and getting him some minutes as well."
Analysis: Sesko's presence in training is a step in the right direction, but based on Carrick's words, the Slovenian might not be ready to start in this season opener, with the best-case scenario being to come off the bench. That means Matheus Cunha could lead the line Saturday against the Tigers. Sesko made 30 Premier League appearances last season, including 17 starts, scoring 11 goals and adding an assist.
Begins rehab fitness work
Sesko reported for preseason training but was not featured in training imagery released by the club as he continues a rehabilitation program, according to Samuel Luckhurst, per United Pride.
Analysis: Sesko is working through a tailored program with Manchester United's medical staff as he builds toward a return to full training. The forward's absence from released footage suggests a cautious approach is being taken with his buildup. No specific injury has been disclosed at this stage, leaving his timeline for full training unclear. Sesko is expected to be gradually reintegrated as his fitness work progresses.
Out vs. Brighton
Sesko (lower leg) won't be an option for Sunday's game against Brighton, according to manager Michael Carrick.
Analysis: Sesko missed the 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest last week due to a shin injury, and he won't be an option for this game as well. The Slovenian forward was a bit inconsistent at times, but all things considered, he enjoyed a decent first year at Old Trafford. He bagged 11 goals across 30 appearances (17 starts) in the Premier League.
Not an option Sunday
Sesko (lower leg) is ruled out for Sunday's clash against Nottingham Forest.
Analysis: Sesko has been unable to recover from the lower leg issue that had left him doubtful, with manager Michael Carrick confirming he was still not 100 percent and that his situation was not as straightforward as some of his teammates heading into the weekend. The forward had shown no positive signs of being able to train fully in recent days, and Manchester United opted against risking him with their top-four spot largely secured. His availability for the final game of the season will be monitored closely, with the club unwilling to take any unnecessary risks with his fitness at this stage of the season.
Unlikely for Sunday
Sesko (lower leg) remains doubtful for Sunday's match against Nottingham Forest, according to manager Michael Carrick. "Ben's not as straightforward as Case. He's still not 100 per cent. Apart from that, we're alright."
Analysis: Sesko is looking to be unlikely to feature Sunday as the club faces Forest, as the forward is still yet to train and has not received a very positive update. This will leave his chances of returning slim, as the club will not want to risk him while already having third place pretty much secured. Even if he were to feature, it would likely be in a minor role from the bench.
Misses call Saturday
Sesko (shin) is ruled out for Saturday's clash against Sunderland.
Analysis: Sesko has been unable to recover from the shin injury that forced him off at halftime of Sunday's win over Liverpool, leaving Manchester United without one of their most important attacking contributors for the trip to Sunderland. The Slovenian striker had opened the scoring before the early exit and has netted 10 goals across all competitions since the new year, making his absence a significant concern for manager Carrick's side. Bryan Mbeumo is expected to slide into the striker role in his place, although it is Joshua Zirkzee getting the nod against the Black Cats Saturday. Sesko's availability for the remaining fixtures of the campaign will be monitored closely.
May not start vs Sunderland
Sesko (shin) was forced off at halftime of Sunday's win over Liverpool with a shin injury, leaving his availability for Saturday's clash against Sunderland uncertain, according to coach Michael Carrick. Per the Man Utd article, "Carrick was not asked about Sesko's situation in the first part of his press conference but did admit he will look to perhaps provide some minutes to players who have not been regular starters, during our final three matches of the campaign."
Analysis: Sesko had opened the scoring before the shin issue forced his early exit, adding to what had already been a sore area heading into the fixture. The Slovenian striker has been one of Manchester United's most important attacking contributors since the new year, netting 10 goals across all competitions during that stretch, making his potential absence a significant concern. Manager Michael Carrick was not directly asked about Sesko's status but indicated he would look to give minutes to players who have not featured regularly in the final three matches of the campaign. Bryan Mbeumo remains a strong candidate to slide into the striker role should Sesko be unable to go Saturday.
Scores goal before shin issue
Sesko scored one goal to go with three shots (two on target) before being forced off at halftime of Sunday's 3-2 win over Liverpool after aggravating a shin issue he has been managing for some time, according to coach Michael Carrick. "He got a bang on his shin when he fell down the side of the pitch. It's something that he's been carrying for a little bit as well, so we've had to manage him a bit but he's certainly had a bang right on the same spot. It's as simple as that really. He's been carrying a bit of a shin problem for some time and it was when we got pushed into the hoarding and down the dip."
Analysis: Sesko fired home the second goal in Sunday's win against Liverpool before a shin issue forced him off at halftime, and the club will evaluate the extent of the setback over the next few days before deciding on his availability moving forward. The knock to an already sore area raises concern for Manchester United given how crucial the Slovenian striker has been up top, especially after netting 10 goals across all competitions since the new year. If he's sidelined for any stretch, Bryan Mbeumo is a strong candidate to slide into the striker role until he's back.
Back on scoresheet
Sesko scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) and one chance created in Monday's 2-1 victory versus Brentford.
Analysis: Sesko didn't see many opportunities Monday but did well with his one shot, scoring and eventually winning the match for his club. This brings the forward to double-digit goals this season, also adding an assist. However, with two straight games only earning one shot, he will need to find more opportunities to continue the second-half success he has found this campaign.
Struggles Monday
Sesko generated three shots (three on goal) in Monday's 2-1 loss against Leeds United.
Analysis: Sesko just couldn't find his finishing touch during Monday's loss. He took three shots and put all three of them on goal, but it wasn't enough to make a real difference in the match. Sesko just couldn't beat Karl Darlow, and was left frustrated. The volume and accuracy are nice, but he will need to be more efficient to close the campaign.
Will miss Slovenia games
Sesko will miss international duty with Slovenia as he will remain in Manchester to ensure that he fully recovers from an issue he has been dealing with since weeks, according to the club.
Analysis: Sesko has been gutting it out for weeks with a minor muscle issue and will skip Slovenia's international duty during this break so he can fully recover and get back to full speed. Reports say he will be fit for the match against Leeds United on April. 13 and that this break will give him the time he needs to reset. That said, if he needs a breather in the coming weeks, his absence should not shake up the starting squad too much since he has started only two of the last nine Premier League matches while still chipping in five goals for the Red Devils.
Scores off the bench
Sesko scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) in Sunday's 3-1 win against Aston Villa.
Analysis: Sesko has delivered in key moments all season for Man United, though his score was more of an insurance goal than a rescue job on Sunday. The forward should be in position to score in whatever capacity he takes the pitch against Bournemouth. The mid-table club has given up 46 goals so far this season.
Scores in win
Sesko scored one goal to go with four shots (three on goal) in Sunday's 2-1 win against Crystal Palace.
Analysis: Sesko scored once on four shots during Sunday's win, making the most of his chances and finding the back of the net in a huge spot. The striker got off to a slow start in the Premier League, but he seems to be finding his footing more in the back half of the season. United are in flying form and Sesko has plenty of upside leading the line.
Bags winner Monday
Sesko scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) in Monday's 1-0 victory against Everton.
Analysis: Sesko's hot run of form continued Monday as he scored the lone goal of the match in the 71st minute off a Bryan Mbeumo assist. He has now scored three goals in his last four appearances, an especially impressive feat considering he's come off the bench in all of those matches. He now has seven goals and one assist across 22 appearances (11 starts) this season and appears to have finally found his form in the Premier League.
Nets equalizer off bench
Sesko scored one goal to go with two shots (two on goal) in Tuesday's 1-1 draw against West Ham United.
Analysis: Sesko produced a lively 21-minute cameo, scoring a stoppage-time equalizer with a superb finish to earn his team a valuable point. Although he has yet to start under coach Michael Carrick in his six matches in charge, the forward has consistently been a threat off the bench. In those limited minutes, he has attempted six shots and scored twice.
Scores winner off bench
Sesko scored one goal to go with three shots (one on goal) in Sunday's 3-2 win over Fulham.
Analysis: Sesko came on in the 74th minute and nearly put the game away when his header crashed off the post with Manchester United still holding a two goal lead. After Fulham's late double, he delivered the decisive moment by latching onto Bruno Fernandes' pass and rifling a composed finish high into the net in the 94th minute. The timing was ruthless and immediately wiped away the sting of the equalizer. Sesko logged three shots (one on target) and showed he can provide real impact as a supersub after failing to start a single match under new coach Michael Carrick.
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