After a disastrous 2024–25 campaign, United have turned to the towering Slovenian striker in a bid to fix their goal-scoring woes. But will he thrive or fall victim to the infamous Old Trafford curse?
Following a truly dreadful 2024–25 season that saw Manchester United finish 15th in the Premier League without a single piece of silverware, the club’s hierarchy was left with no choice but to make sweeping changes in the summer transfer window.
Some familiar faces have departed, while big-money arrivals like Matheus Cunha from Wolves and Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford have been unveiled. Yet United’s most intriguing move has been their capture of Benjamin Šeško from RB Leipzig for a hefty fee.
It’s a signing that has sparked questions. Why him? Especially when reports suggest he wasn’t even the club’s first choice.
The Striker Problem at Old Trafford
Club captain Bruno Fernandes offered a telling hint after United’s Summer Series preseason victory:
“It was crystal clear we needed more competition for the players that were here and more quality to get everyone to step up to get into the starting XI.”
His words point directly to the centre-forward position. Last season, United scored just 44 goals in 38 Premier League games — less than a goal per match. That output was worse than West Ham, Fulham, and even Wolves, who finished lower in the table.
Rasmus Højlund underwhelmed, Joshua Zirkzee is not a natural striker, and United were desperate for a reliable finisher. Initially, they pursued Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres, but when Arsenal swooped in, Šeško became the top target.
Why Šeško Fits United’s Project
At 22 years old, Šeško offers something United’s other options don’t: a high ceiling and time to grow. With no European football in 2025–26, the pressure will be slightly reduced, giving the coaching staff space to integrate him gradually.
More importantly, United now boast an improved creative core — Mbeumo, Cunha, Amad Diallo, Mason Mount, Kobbie Mainoo, Zirkzee, and Fernandes — providing a strong supply line for their new No. 9.
The Complete Package
Standing 6’5″, Šeško matches Erling Haaland for height and is only outdone in the Premier League by Wolves’ 6’7″ Saša Kalajdžić. But he’s far from a one-dimensional target man.
- Dribbling: Top 3 in the Bundesliga last season for dribbles completed among centre-forwards.
- Ball Carrying: Averaged 1.68 progressive carries per 90 (77th percentile in Europe’s top 5 leagues).
- Aerial Threat: Wins 2.61 aerial duels per 90 and has a remarkable leap — a major weapon with crossers like Luke Shaw, Fernandes, Mbeumo, and Diogo Dalot in the side.
- Defensive Work Rate: 0.9 clearances and 0.62 blocks per 90, showing a willingness to track back.
Šeško offers more in almost every department than Højlund, with the Dane edging him only in speed and passing.
The Commitment Factor
One detail that has impressed United fans: Šeško wanted Old Trafford. Reports suggest he agreed personal terms well before the clubs reached a deal, turning down Newcastle United — and Champions League football — to join.
The Big Risk: The Man United Curse
Here’s the concern: recent history is littered with talented players who flopped after big-money moves to United. Antony, Jadon Sancho, André Onana, Højlund, Romelu Lukaku, Donny van de Beek, Alexis Sánchez, and even Paul Pogba all arrived with huge reputations but failed to deliver consistently.
Šeško could be the next casualty — or he could be another Bruno Fernandes, hitting the ground running and lifting the team’s level.
Final Word
Benjamin Šeško is young, gifted, and physically built for the Premier League. He brings height, aerial prowess, dribbling skill, and a tireless work rate to a squad that desperately needs goals.
But whether he becomes a success story or another chapter in United’s post-Ferguson transfer nightmares will depend on how well the club integrates him and whether the team around him truly supports his strengths.
How many goals will Šeško score in his debut season for Manchester United? Only time will tell.
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