Tag: Benjamin Sesko

Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko will be out of action “for a few weeks” after hurting his knee before the international break, manager Ruben Amorim said on Friday.

The forward, who joined United from RB Leipzig for £74 million ($97 million) in August, was injured during the 2-2 draw at Tottenham on November 8 and missed Slovenia’s World Cup qualifiers.

Amorim was initially “more concerned” about the issue due to the fact it related to a knee, but the United boss is confident the 22-year-old has avoided a lengthy lay-off.

“He is going to stay out for a few weeks, I don’t know how long, but it is not that serious,” Amorim said at his pre-match press conference for Monday’s visit of Everton.

“We have to be careful with him, he is going to recover, he is doing the recovery and is feeling better. So in a few weeks I expect to have Ben (Sesko).”

Amorim said he expected Sesko to return around the time that Cameroon’s Bryan Mbeumo, Ivory Coast international Amad Diallo and Morocco’s Noussair Mazraoui would leave for the Africa Cup of Nations, which begins in Morocco on December 21.

Discussions are taking place about when they will be released.

“We are doing our job to try to maintain the players a little bit longer but it’s not just in our hands,” said Amorim.

“We need to respect that, but we will try to do everything to protect the club, protect the player and protect the national team.”

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The Portuguese was asked how he felt as he approached the anniversary of his first game as United boss, against Ipswich on November 24 last year.

“Right away, I knew that we would struggle in some things,” he said. “But it was that feeling of, yes, it’s the best league in the world.

“It’s maybe the best club in the world. But at the same time, it’s a big job and it’s going to require a lot of work.”

Amorim said United were showing progress after a tough 2024/25 season, when they finished 15th in the Premier League.

“We suffered a lot last year, so we have to take that into account and play every game like it’s the last one or the first one,” he said.

“But of course, if you ask me, I expect a team with more control, more dominance, playing better football and, the most important thing, more competitive in every way.”

United will also be without Harry Maguire against Everton after the defender picked up an injury in the Spurs draw.

Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo could be available to face David Moyes’s side, and Lisandro Martinez is getting closer to a return after being involved in the Argentina camp over the break.

United are seventh in the Premier League after an unbeaten run of five games, although they have drawn their past two, against Nottingham Forest and Tottenham.

READ: Pakistan Shaheens edge past Sri Lanka A in Asia Cup Rising Stars semi-final

Manchester United signed Slovenian international Benjamin Sesko on Saturday, the third forward the 20-time English champions have acquired in the close season.

The 22-year-old’s arrival from RB Leipzig, in a deal reported to be worth up to £74 million (85 million euros, $99 million), completes an overhaul of the Red Devils’ attack that failed to fire last season.

“Manchester United is pleased to confirm that Benjamin Sesko has joined the club, subject to registration,” read a club statement.

The five-year contract includes a guaranteed payment of £66.3million, with the remainder in add-ons, according to reports.

Sesko, who has scored 16 goals in 41 international appearances, is United’s third major signing in attack following the arrivals of Matheus Cunha for £62.5m and Bryan Mbeumo for £65m with £6m in add-ons.

“The history of Manchester United is obviously very special but what really excites me is the future,” said Sesko.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“When we discussed the project, it was clear that everything is in place for this team to continue to grow and compete for the biggest trophies again soon.”

Benjamin Sesko had also been linked with Newcastle, but once again Eddie Howe’s League Cup winners failed to land their target despite being able to offer European football this season, unlike Manchester United.

Sesko, though, said he felt a vibrancy round the club as they seek to rebound from a desperately disappointing 2024-2025 campaign.

“From the moment that I arrived, I could feel the positive energy and family environment that the club has created,” he said.

“It is clearly the perfect place to reach my maximum level and fulfil all of my ambitions.

“I cannot wait to start learning from Ruben (Amorim) and connecting with my team-mates to achieve the success that we all know we are capable of together.”

READ: Barcelona reinstate Marc-Andre ter Stegen as captain

Manchester United have agreed a deal worth up to 85 million euros ($99 million, £74 million) to sign striker Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig on Thursday, according to multiple reports in England.

The BBC, Athletic, and Sky Sports reported Manchester United will pay an initial 76.5 million euros for the 22-year-old, with a further 8.5 million euros due in add-ons.

Newcastle were also interested in signing the Slovenian, possibly to replace wantaway star Alexander Isak, a target for Liverpool.

However, Sesko has been wooed by the enduring stature of the 20-time English champions despite a lack of European football in the coming season.

His arrival will complete an overhaul of the Red Devils’ blunt attack.

Only four other teams scored fewer than United’s 44 goals in 38 Premier League games last season as the English giants endured their worst campaign for 51 years, finishing 15th in the table.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo were signed earlier in the window, taking United’s total spend on forwards in recent months to over £200 million.

Sesko had also previously been linked with Arsenal after impressing during his two-year spell in Germany, where he scored 39 times in 87 appearances for Leipzig, including 21 last season.

Standing 1.95 metres (6ft 4ins) tall, Sesko’s towering physique, electric pace and eye for goal have earned comparisons with Manchester City’s Erling Haaland.

Like Haaland, he also made his name at RB Salzburg before moving to Germany in 2023.

United are banking on Sesko realising his abundant potential to fire them back into contention at the top of the Premier League table.

Between them, Sesko, Cunha and Mbeumo combined for 58 goals last season.

The massive outlay on their arrivals needs to bear fruit quickly with United under pressure to meet financial sustainability rules, especially without the revenue of European football this season.

READ: Matt Henry stars again as New Zealand dominate Zimbabwe on opening day