In years gone by, Manchester United has been the home to countless attacking talents, many of whom helped the club secure Premier League glory under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Ruud van Nistelrooy are just three names which pop to mind – with the former of the trio still remaining as the Red Devils’ leading all-time scorer.
However, current boss Michael Carrick does not have the same luxury at Old Trafford, with the 45-year-old wanting reinforcements in the final third this summer.
The £200m spending spree last summer provided the club with added depth in attacking areas, with one player in particular likely to have a starring role under the manager’s guidance.
Why Sesko may struggle at Man United next season
As part of last summer’s expensive recruitment drive, United completed the £74m signing of talisman Benjamin Sesko from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig.
The Slovenian international enjoyed a superb first season at Old Trafford last time around, as he netted 11 league goals and helped the club secure a top-three finish in the Premier League.
Such a tally was the joint-highest in the senior ranks, subsequently highlighting his importance to the Red Devils’ squad after Carrick’s arrival in early February.
However, the 23-year-old may struggle to have the same impact next time around in England’s top-flight, with the added Champions League fixtures going to increase the forward’s workload.
Benjamin Sesko – goals by season | |
|---|---|
Season | Goals |
2025/26 | 12 |
2024/25 | 21 |
2023/24 | 18 |
2022/23 | 18 |
2021/22 | 11 |
2020/21 | 21 |
There’s no denying he’s a player with bags of ability, but the added fixture congestion will see the Slovenian have more games to juggle – which could have an impact on his performances.
Joshua Zirkzee, the Red Devils’ other striking option, looks set to depart Old Trafford this summer, with all of the responsibility at the top end of the pitch falling onto Sesko’s shoulders.
As a result, it would be a surprise to no one if INEOS entered the transfer market to try and land another attacking option before the summer window slams shut.
Why INEOS signing a new striker would be bad news for Sesko
With less than a month remaining in the summer window, United are running out of time to land attacking reinforcements to help Carrick in his quest for success.
Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has once again appeared on their radar, with Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur also said to be keen on a deal for the Nigerian international.
He’s not the only forward-minded player in their sights at present, as Brentford talisman Igor Thiago is another who could become a Red Devils player by the end of the month.
It’s been reported by TEAMtalk that Carrick’s men have been in talks with the Brazilian’s representatives over the possibility of a move to Old Trafford this summer.
They also claim that the Bees are extremely reluctant to offload the 25-year-old, with a mega offer likely needed to convince Keith Andrews’ men into a sale.
It’s unclear what figure would be needed to land the attacker’s services, but his stats from last season showcase that United would be landing a proven Premier League talisman.
Throughout the 2025/26 campaign, Thiago netted 22 league goals, the most of any Brazilian in the league’s history, with only Erling Haaland netting more last term.
Such a tally was two times higher than that of current Red Devils star Sesko, with any move for the Brentford star putting his starting role in potential jeopardy.
His underlying stats further showcase his dominance over the Slovenian international, as he completed more of the dribbles he attempted in England’s top-flight.
Like Sesko, the Bees star is a superb target man, but his ability to glide past the opposition could hand Carrick a more threatening all-round option within forward areas.
Despite outscoring the current United man, his clinical nature was further reflected in his underlying stats – which saw Thiago score with 51% of his shots on target last campaign.
Sesko could only find the net with 38% of his efforts, which highlights the Brazilian’s dominance and backs up journalist Zach Lowy’s claim that he’s “one of the best strikers in England.”
The recent interest in a move for the Brentford star highlights Carrick’s desire to land an added attacking option this summer to help balance the upcoming fixture congestion.
While Thiago would likely cost a pretty penny, it could be a deal worth the cash should he emulate or better his incredible form from the 2025/26 campaign.
Sesko would have less responsibility as a result, but could also have to play second fiddle to the Brazilian should he complete any move to Old Trafford.
