Benjamin Sesko Struggles: Same Mistakes, No Improvement After Injury

Manchester United's £74 million striker fails to deliver as doubts grow over the club's transfer strategy

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:41am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a soccer match or competition, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes, conveying the fragmented and disjointed nature of Sesko's performances.As Benjamin Sesko struggles to find his form at Manchester United, the club's transfer strategy comes under increasing scrutiny.Saratoga Springs Today

Benjamin Sesko's struggles at Manchester United are raising serious doubts among the club's supporters. The 20-year-old striker has scored just two goals in 14 games since his big-money move, failing to make an impact even against weaker defenders. His recent return from injury and bout of food poisoning have only exacerbated the concerns, as Sesko continues to miss clear-cut chances and display poor touch. The parallels between Sesko and United's other young striker signings, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, have fueled questions about the club's transfer strategy and its ability to develop young talent.

Why it matters

Sesko's struggles are not just about his individual performance, but also raise questions about Manchester United's transfer policy and their ability to identify and nurture young talent. The club has spent over £182 million on three strikers in the last two years, all of whom have struggled to make an impact, suggesting a deeper issue in their recruitment and development processes.

The details

In his most recent appearance against Aston Villa, Sesko failed to capitalize on opportunities created by teammates like Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes, missing several clear-cut chances. His heavy touch and lack of awareness have drawn criticism, with pundits like Alan Shearer pointing out his deficiencies. Sesko's agent, Elvis Basanovic, has been a frequent visitor to United's training ground, leading to questions about the club's due diligence in the transfer process.

  • On November 1, Sesko made his last appearance before the injury that kept him out until the Villa game.
  • Against Tottenham, Sesko was gifted two opportunities by Mason Mount but failed to convert either.

The players

Benjamin Sesko

A 20-year-old striker who joined Manchester United in a £74 million transfer, but has struggled to make an impact, scoring just two goals in 14 games.

Victor Lindelof

A defender who was released by Manchester United last summer, but was able to contain Sesko in their recent match.

Ruben Amorim

The manager of Sesko's former club, Red Bull Salzburg, who remains optimistic about the striker's potential and predicts improvement.

Alan Shearer

A former England striker and pundit who has criticized Sesko's lack of awareness, such as when he failed to notice an opponent closing in during a match.

Elvis Basanovic

Sesko's agent, who has frequently visited Manchester United's training grounds, leading to questions about the club's due diligence in the transfer process.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.