Benjamin Sesko is set to be announced by Manchester United before their final pre-season match against Fiorentina, and he will help other players flourish in Rúben Amorim’s system.
While they are similar in several ways, Benjamin Sesko offers something very different to Rasmus Højlund as Manchester United’s central striker, if he is to start the season as Rúben Amorim’s centre forward.
Sesko looks set to be announced at Old Trafford before United play their final pre-season match against Fiorentina, where David de Gea will finally get the send-off he deserves after spending 12 years at the club.
Hojlund will likely start the game, potentially playing his final match for the Red Devils before leaving for AC Milan, either just for the season or on a permanent deal if the buy-option is used.
Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo will probably be the two attacking midfielders in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system, with Bruno Fernandes dropping back into the double pivot alongside Manuel Ugarte.
Sesko will unleash Cunha and Mbeumo
Unlike Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee, Sesko joins United after being pursued by the club for years – the Red Devils’ interest in the Slovenian dates back to his days at RB Salzburg, before his move to RB Leipzig. He has one unique attribute that sets him apart from Amorim’s other strikers.
Last season, Højlund attempted 17 flick-ons, meaning a first-time ball in behind the opposition defence, but only one of these flick-ons was successful. Zirkzee had more success than his teammate: he attempted 21 flick-ons and completed six, potentially because he found himself playing deeper than Højlund. However, Sesko completed 14 flick-ons, with a success rate of 28%.
Cunha and Mbeumo are both players who like to make runs beyond the striker, leaving themselves 1-on-1 with the opposition’s goalkeeper, if their teammates can play the pass through the defence.
Sesko could use his flick-on ability to play the attacking midfielders into a 1-on-1 situation, if the United defence is forced to play it long to the 6’5 centre forward. The new centre forward is exceptional in the air, but also has a good first touch so that he could play a flick-on with either his head or his feet.
Yoro can tap into his hidden talent
When Leny Yoro first played for United, he played in a four-man defence under Erik ten Hag, but he only featured twice for the Dutchman due to an injury sustained in pre-season. Fans were still treated to Yoro’s standout ability, which we haven’t seen as much of since.
Read More: Alejandro Garnacho reaches agreement with Chelsea as Manchester United remain firm on transfer fee
The French defender has a brilliant passing range, able to switch the ball from one flank to the other with ease, a secret talent that he put on display during the 2025 pre-season tour.
Sesko, who is used to playing in a striking partnership, will understand the concept of double movement – one player drops deep, while another runs beyond the space vacated by the first – and he could use this to allow Cunha or Mason Mount to make more runs in behind the defence.
Yoro will finally be able to utilise his standout attribute yet again, playing a ball over the top of the opposition’s defence, if United are struggling to play out from the back. Ole Gunnar Solskjær used this to great effect in the days of Victor Lindelöf and Marcus Rashford.
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 12:30 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.