Benjamin Sesko Vs Bryan Mbeumo: The Story Of Two Manchester United Signings

‎All summer long, there seemed to be a growing disconnect between Ruben Amorim and the Manchester United board over transfer targets.

‎Despite the optimism surrounding Amorim’s appointment, indecision in the market once again exposed familiar weaknesses.

‎A glaring example was the club’s failure to sign a new goalkeeper until the very end of the transfer window a clear oversight that reflected muddled priorities.

‎However, when Benjamin Sesko arrived from RB Leipzig for a hefty £74 million, optimism flickered again. It looked like a step forward a statement signaling trust in Amorim and a renewed belief in young attacking potential.

‎Sesko’s Arrival

‎Sesko’s signing was more than just a transfer; it was a vote of confidence in the new manager. United desperately needed a natural goalscorer after enduring a frustrating campaign with Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Højlund, both of whom struggled to deliver consistent returns.

‎At Leipzig, Sesko had been prolific, scoring 39 goals in 87 appearances, and many believed the 22-year-old Slovenian could replicate that form in England.

‎Alongside him, United also secured Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, a proven Premier League performer whose 70 goals and 51 assists in 242 games painted a picture of reliability, even if his arrival didn’t generate the same excitement as Sesko’s.

‎Sesko’s Slow Start

‎A few months into the 2025/26 season, the contrast between the two new arrivals couldn’t be starker. While Sesko has labored to adapt, Mbeumo has emerged as Amorim’s most effective attacking outlet.

‎Sesko’s lack of pace, a recurring problem also seen with Zirkzee and Højlund, and his hesitancy in front of goal have been ruthlessly exposed in the Premier League.

‎His performance against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend summed up his current struggles.

‎With three minutes remaining and the game there for the taking, Mason Mount threaded a perfect through ball to Sesko, who only had the keeper to beat. Instead of finishing instinctively, the Slovenian delayed his shot, allowing Micky van de Ven to recover and clear the danger.

‎The statistics underline the issue. In over half an hour of play at Tottenham, Sesko managed just three touches in the opposition box and no shots on goal not the return expected from a £74m striker.

‎Mbeumo’s Impact vs Sesko’s Struggles

‎While Sesko has looked reactive rather than proactive, Mbeumo has thrived under Amorim’s system. The Cameroonian has already scored six goals in 12 matches, four more than Sesko, including a well-taken strike against Spurs that nearly secured United all three points.

‎Mbeumo has a higher shot conversion rate than Sesko (20.7% vs 8.3%). He also has better passing accuracy (80.5% vs 64.6%), which is notably the lowest among United’s outfield players.

‎In terms of ball recoveries, Mbeumo has 34 compared to Sesko’s 13.

‎Even though Mbeumo has taken only five more shots overall (29 vs 24), he’s been far more productive and has connected better with his teammates. His link-up play, pressing intensity, and decision-making have all been superior.

‎The only areas where Sesko holds an edge are in aerial duels (28 successful) and one-on-one take-ons (36.3% success rate). But those strengths are not compensating for his main responsibility scoring goals.

‎Was Signing Sesko Another United Misstep?

‎It’s far too early to label Sesko a failure, but United’s recruitment strategy once again comes under scrutiny. Spending over £70m on a striker still learning the tempo and physicality of English football feels like a gamble that hasn’t paid off at least not yet.

‎Sesko’s confidence looks shot, his movement predictable, and his contribution minimal.

‎The Premier League demands decisiveness and aggression from its forwards, and at the moment, Sesko appears hesitant, often reacting to situations instead of dictating them.

‎Amorim faces a tough call: should he persist with Sesko to help him find form, or take him out of the spotlight to rebuild his confidence behind the scenes?

‎Resting him for a few matches might be the humane and strategic move even if it tacitly admits the club may have misjudged this marquee signing.

‎Patience or Pragmatism?

‎Benjamin Sesko’s talent is undeniable. His track record in Germany and raw potential suggest there’s still a top striker waiting to emerge. But for now, his adjustment to the Premier League has been painful to watch.

‎In contrast, Bryan Mbeumo’s revival, once dismissed as a secondary signing, has been one of the bright spots in Amorim’s early tenure.

‎His work rate, consistency, and understanding of the league have made him indispensable.