“He needs time…”: National team boss issues worrying update on Man United star | OneFootball

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Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko cannot seem to catch a break after arriving at Old Trafford in the summer of 2025. The Premier League giants reportedly paid £74 million for his signature, hoping that he could be the solution to their prolonged striker woes.

Unfortunately, the Slovenian endured a slow start to life in the Premier League, managing just two goals in his first 17 games under former head coach Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese’s departure in January kicked Sesko back to life, and he was in red-hot form during Michael Carrick’s interim spell.

However, the 23-year-old picked up a shin injury in the final weeks of last season and spent a prolonged time on the sidelines. Sesko did not kick a ball in pre-season and has found chances hard to come by this season, with Carrick preferring to use him off the bench.

Benjamin Sesko Stats: 2026/27 Season

To make matters worse, the Slovenian picked up an injury last week and subsequently missed the 1-1 draw against Fulham just before the international break. While Sesko was initially expected to be back once club football resumes next month, Slovenian manager Bostjan Cesar has now provided a concerning update about the player’s fitness.

Sesko requires time to recover from injury

Speaking recently, as cited by Planet Nogomet, Cesar suggested that Sesko may require more time to completely heal from his shin injury. He said: “This is not an easy time for Benjamin. He is going through a difficult period in his career, as we know he hasn’t suffered many injuries before.”

“This is an unusual injury that requires a certain amount of time to heal. The most important thing is that Šeško now surrounds himself with people he trusts and believes in, and that we all remain positive towards him.”

“Because that is what he needs. He needs time, he needs proper rehabilitation – and Slovenia needs him too, once he is fully fit.”

Sesko cannot allow criticism to get to him

United have struggled for results this season, managing just one win in five league games, and currently sit 12th in the table. The scenario has put further spotlight on Sesko’s prolonged bout with a shin injury, inviting criticism from former players Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, and even Wayne Rooney.

Cesar, however, went on to argue that criticism is part and parcel of playing for a big club, and urged the player not to let it get to him. He continued: “We know that when you play for such a big club, these things are bound to happen.”

“It’s a process that not only Benjamin goes through, but all footballers. It’s normal that when he was fit and scoring goals, there was no such criticism. He’s aware of this; he’s a professional, and I believe he doesn’t read that sort of thing and doesn’t let it get to him.”

When asked if Sesko is made of the right ingredients to cope with the constant pressure, Cesar concluded: “He is. He’s a young player and things are happening extremely quickly in his life, but he’s already switched gears mentally. His mind will have to make such adjustments in the future as well.”

Final Thoughts

Sesko’s start to the new season has been a frustrating experience for the player as well as supporters. United will be desperate to have their Slovenian hitman back to full fitness soon as they need him firing on all cylinders this season.