A courted man. This summer, Benjamin Šeško saw several big clubs flocking to his feet. Newcastle multiplied offers worth several million euros to make him the successor to Alexander Isak, who wanted to go to Liverpool. But the Slovenian said no to the Magpies. He wanted to join Manchester United, who offered less money to RB Leipzig, but who had his favors. On August 9, the transfer of €85 million was officially completed. The Mancunians were able to announce the good news via a press release. “Manchester United are pleased to confirm that Benjamin Šeško has joined the club, subject to registration. The Slovenian international has signed a contract until June 2030. Over the past two seasons, Šeško has been the most prolific under-23 player in Europe’s five major leagues. »
Indeed, the Slovenian shone in Germany. Last season, he notably scored 21 goals and provided 6 assists in 45 appearances in all competitions. The previous year, he scored 18 goals and provided 2 assists in 42 games. Ready to take a new step in his career, the 22-year-old striker decided to join the residents of Old Trafford, where he was not a priority. The latter tested the waters with several specialists in the position before him, like Liam Delap, Ollie Watkins, Nicolas Jackson and Alexander Isak. But everyone refused for different reasons. Šeško was excited. A daring choice since many center forwards have lost their teeth in recent years at United. Nothing to scare the Slovenian international with 16 goals in 45 caps, ready to take on this challenge.
A heavy transfer
“The history of Manchester United is obviously very special, but what really excites me is the future. When we discussed the project, it was clear that all the elements were there for this team to continue to progress and soon be able to claim the biggest trophies again. As soon as I arrived, I felt the positive energy and family atmosphere that reigns within the club. It is undoubtedly the ideal place to reach my full potential and realize all my ambitions. I can’t wait to start learning from Ruben and bonding with my teammates to achieve the success we all know we are capable of together. » Words then had to give way to actions for the striker born in 2003. But everything did not go as he imagined. Šeško encounters many difficulties.
Silent for six games, he opened his goal counter on September 27, during the defeat at Brentford (3-1) in the Premier League. The following match, he found the target again against Sunderland. Scorer, he also became a decisive passer on October 25 against Brighton. Since then, nothing more for the footballer, who has totaled 2 goals and 1 assist in 11 appearances in all competitions at MU, including 7 as a starter. Which is insufficient for many observers, including Gary Neville. “He is nowhere near the level of the other strikers United have signed, like Cunha and Mbeumo. He looks clumsy, his ball touch was inaccurate on several occasions when the ball went over his head. For €85 million, yes, he is young and still in the adaptation phase, but we expect more from him. »
Between scarcity and injury
The press does not spare him either, like the Daily Mail who already compares it to the flop Hojlund. “His goal tally, two in 11 matches, is lower than that of Rasmus Højlund over the same period after joining United in 2023. The Dane had scored three. » But Šeško has support, including Bruno Fernandes. “Of course we know Ben will be judged on his performances in front of goal. But other than that, he does very well, whatever is asked of him. He has already achieved his goals, and I think it will multiply, because he is more than capable of scoring goals. Ben is very keen to learn, and that’s very positive from someone who has done very well in the Bundesliga and all the other leagues. » But much more is expected of him in England, even if it may take time to adapt. Not yet killer enough according to the British press, the Slovenian suffered another hard blow.
Released after 32 minutes spent on the field against Tottenham on November 8 (2-2), he joined the infirmary, missing the matches against Kosovo and Sweden as part of the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. However, Manchester United had made it known that he did not have a serious injury. But Ruben Amorim was concerned. “I am worried about this injury because it is in the knee. We need Ben to be a better team. We need to check everything, we need to check what happened with Ben. » Finally, the Daily Mail And The Sun assure that it is more serious than expected. Indeed, he is expected to miss a month of competition after his knee injury against Spurs, he who has already started to receive treatment at the Carrington training center. Amorim will have to find solutions. Matheus Cunha can help out, just like Joshua Zirkzee, who does not have much playing time. Šeško, for his part, will take advantage of this break to get back on his feet both physically and mentally.
