Data shows why Man United want Benjamin Sesko as Newcastle battle heats up
Benjamin Sesko is the number one striker target for Manchester United and it is clear to see why Ruben Amorim wants to bring him to Old Trafford.
Amorim has made signing a striker one of his priorities this summer after Man United’s goal scoring issues last season.
Brentford’s top goal scorer Bryan Mbeumo has signed on at Old Trafford, alongside Matheus Cunha from Wolves, to already bolster Man United’s attack.
Man United face competition from Newcastle for Sesko, who need a striker with Alexander Isak looking like he is on his way out of the club.
United could ‘cave in’ to Sesko demand
It has been exclusively revealed by Football Insider that Man United will ‘cave in’ on signing Sesko with the hope of selling players, like Rasmus Hojlund at the end of the window.
Hojlund has been transfer listed at the club, but will not be allowed to leave until a replacement has been sourced.
Joshua Zirkzee’s future at the club is also uncertain and Man United could also cash in on the 24-year-old after just one season at Old Trafford.
How does Sesko compare with Man United strikers
There has been big demand for Sesko, and the data shows that the Slovenian international looks a cut above what Hojlund and Zirkzee have been offering Man United, as per Sofascore.
| Benjamin Sesko | Rasmus Hojlund | Joshua Zirkzee | |
| Minutes Played | 2407 | 2022 | 1406 |
| Goals | 13 | 4 | 3 |
| Assists | 5 | 0 | 1 |
| Expected Goals (xG) | 9.89 | 5.24 | 4.82 |
| Shot accuracy | 60% | 52% | 58% |
| Big chances missed | 10 | 6 | 7 |
In the key stats, Sesko scored more goals, registered more assists and his shot accuracy was higher than his rivals.
Sesko missed more big chances than Hojlund or Zirkzee, but this is likely to be down to playing more minutes and therefore having more attempts on goal.
In other aspects of his game, Sesko ranks better for ariel duels won, ground duels won and successful dribbles.
The stats show that Sesko would be able to offer Man United more in and out of possession than either Hojlund or Zirkzee have contributed.
At six feet four, Sesko is taller than both Hojlund and Zirkzee and that ariel threat from set pieces would also be a useful weapon for Amorim.
Amorim is justified to sell either one, or both, of Hojlund and Zirkzee and move quickly for Sesko.
At 22, Sesko should keep improving and could spearhead Man United’s attack in the long-term.