Quick Read
- Benjamin Sesko is recovering from a knee injury, expected to return for Manchester United’s match against Wolves on December 8.
- Sesko’s adaptation to the Premier League has been slow, drawing criticism, but United remains confident in his long-term potential.
- Alternative striker Liam Delap, who joined Chelsea instead, has struggled with injuries and poor form.
- Manchester United’s overall injury list is relatively modest compared to league rivals.
- Benjamin Sesko, Manchester United’s summer striker signing, has been sidelined with a knee injury and is not expected back until December 8.
- Sesko’s performances have drawn criticism, but experts still see him as a high-potential prospect compared to alternatives like Liam Delap.
- United has managed a relatively modest injury list, with other key players also facing fitness concerns.
- Sesko was left out of Slovenia’s national team for World Cup qualifiers due to his injury.
Sesko’s Injury Woes and Manchester United’s Striker Dilemma
Manchester United entered the final stretch of 2025 with renewed optimism, thanks to a promising start in the Premier League. Five wins from eleven matches have lifted spirits at Old Trafford, but the narrative hasn’t been entirely smooth. One name at the center of attention is Benjamin Sesko, the club’s high-profile summer striker signing.
Sesko’s arrival was meant to inject fresh energy into United’s attack. Yet, injury setbacks have complicated his debut season. He was forced off with a knee injury against Tottenham just before the international break, missing Slovenia’s World Cup qualifiers against Sweden and Kosovo. Manager Ruben Amorim was candid in his pre-Everton press conference: “He is going to stay a few weeks out. I don’t know how long but it is not that serious. We have to be careful with him. He is going to recover. He is doing the recovery and he is feeling better, so we expect in a few weeks to have him back.”
With his return tentatively penciled in for the Wolves match on December 8, fans are left waiting for Sesko’s true impact. The timing couldn’t be more crucial, as United’s position in the table could shift dramatically with a win over Everton, potentially propelling them into the top five.
High Expectations, Harsh Critiques, and Comparisons
Sesko’s performances have faced scrutiny. As reported by United In Focus, the young Slovenian has “failed to make much of an impact” when featured. The pressure is magnified as Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have adapted seamlessly, casting a shadow over Sesko’s slow start. But it’s not just about this season’s statistics or missed opportunities. The conversation around Sesko is also shaped by what might have been.
United’s summer striker search included other names, most notably Liam Delap. Back in May, Delap seemed destined for Old Trafford after Ipswich Town’s relegation, with a tempting £30 million release clause. But Chelsea swooped in, and Delap chose Stamford Bridge. In retrospect, United may have dodged a bullet. Delap has struggled with injuries, failed to score in the Premier League for Chelsea, and was even sent off on his debut. Michael Owen, speaking on Premier League Productions, criticized Delap’s decision-making and lack of impact against Burnley, noting, “He probably could have passed it a couple of times… He takes a pot-shot from 25 yards and it’s not great.”
Comparisons between Sesko and Delap, while inevitable, reveal the nuances of striker development. Sesko’s transfer fee was far higher, and his ceiling as one of Europe’s most coveted young forwards remains enticing for United’s future.
The Injury List: Sesko and United’s Fitness Landscape
Manchester United’s injury situation, while not as dire as some rivals, still shapes the team’s prospects. Besides Sesko, Matheus Cunha’s status is uncertain after missing a public event due to medical reasons. Kobbie Mainoo is a late fitness test for the Everton clash, and Harry Maguire remains sidelined with a muscular injury suffered against Tottenham. Lisandro Martinez, out since February with an ACL tear, is close to returning, but his comeback must be managed carefully.
The club’s ability to weather these injuries could define their season. Amorim’s cautious optimism about Sesko’s recovery suggests the striker will be given every chance to return at full strength. For now, United’s forward line is patched together, with supporters hoping Sesko will soon deliver the dynamism expected from his signing.
Adapting to Old Trafford: Pressure, Potential, and Patience
The Premier League is unforgiving, especially for young talents bearing hefty price tags. Sesko, at just 22, faces not only physical recovery but also the psychological challenge of adapting to the demands of English football and the intensity of Manchester United’s spotlight. Some players need time to settle; for Sesko, patience may prove the key.
With every missed match and every critique, the stakes rise. Yet, as United In Focus points out, “Sesko will come good at Old Trafford. At such a young age, he’s still finding his feet around Carrington, and when he does, he’ll surely thrive.” The club’s faith in Sesko isn’t just about immediate returns—it’s an investment in future brilliance.
As United prepares for the next fixtures, the narrative around Sesko will continue to evolve. His recovery, reintegration, and eventual form will be watched closely by fans, pundits, and rivals alike. The question isn’t just when Sesko will return, but whether he can become the striker United has been searching for.
Looking at the facts, Manchester United’s decision to invest in Benjamin Sesko over alternatives like Liam Delap appears justified, even amid early struggles and injury setbacks. The club’s approach—balancing caution with faith in Sesko’s long-term potential—signals a commitment to developing talent rather than seeking quick fixes. The coming weeks will reveal whether this patience pays off, but for now, Sesko’s journey embodies the challenges and hopes of building a Premier League contender.