MANCHESTER, UK — Cohesion has finally returned to the Theatre of Dreams. Under Michael Carrick’s 4-2-3-1 system, Manchester United look balanced, dangerous, and crucially united. While much of the praise has gone to the “pivot engine” of Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo, a new hero is emerging in a role that feels strikingly familiar to the Old Trafford faithful.
Enter Benjamin Sesko. The £74m Slovenian striker is quickly becoming the “new Scott McTominay” but with a world-class clinical edge that could redefine United’s attack.
The Supersub Evolution
In the 2023/24 season, Scott McTominay became Erik ten Hag’s “get out of jail free card,” scoring crucial late goals against Brentford, Villa, and Wolves. Now, Sesko is perfecting that same art. Despite a fluid frontline featuring Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, Sesko has embraced his role as a “monster” impact sub:
- Goal Machine: Sesko has netted 6 goals in his last 5 games across all competitions.
- Clutch Moments: His 96th-minute equalizer against West Ham and the late winner against Fulham have kept Carrick’s unbeaten run alive.
- Physical Presence: Standing at 6ft 5in, his “box-crashing” ability mirrors McTominay’s, but his technical ceiling is significantly higher.
Why Re-signing McTominay is a Mistake
With whispers of a sensational return for McTominay who has become a “God-like” figure at Napoli and a Ballon d’Or nominee the INEOS regime faces a crossroads. However, the data suggests looking forward, not back.
“Sesko needs to go one better than McTominay and truly nail down a regular starting berth,” notes analyst Ben Mattinson. At 22, Sesko represents the future, whereas a 29-year-old McTominay would likely return to a “second fiddle” role behind Bruno Fernandes.
The Carrick Dilemma
Carrick’s current dilemma is a “luxury problem.” With Amad and Mbeumo in firing form, Sesko has been reduced to late cameos. But as United chase Champions League qualification for the 2026/27 season, the Slovenian’s aerial dominance and “deft flick” finishing are becoming impossible to ignore.
Sesko isn’t just a midfielder in a striker’s body; he is a specialist finisher who provides the same physical “chaos” that McTominay once did, but with the potential to become one of the best No. 9s in world football.
Filepe Junior is a football writer tracking La Liga transfers, covering major signings, squad planning, and player movements across Spanish clubs.
