Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko will miss the club’s pre-season friendly against Rosenborg due to a calf injury, manager Erik ten Hag confirmed. The Slovenian forward, signed last summer for €60m, has been sidelined since late May and remains in recovery mode ahead of the new Premier League season.
What happened to Sesko?
Sesko sustained the calf strain during training in late May, forcing him out of the final two games of the 2024/25 campaign. The 21-year-old has been undergoing rehabilitation at Carrington and is yet to return to full training. Ten Hag stated, 'He’s progressing well, but we won’t rush him. The Rosenborg game comes too soon.'
Why it matters for Manchester United
With Manchester United finishing third last season (71 points, 20W-11D-7L) and 14 points behind leaders Arsenal, Sesko’s fitness is crucial for their title push. The club’s recent form (4W-1D-0L) highlights their momentum, but losing their top scorer (12 goals last season) would be a setback. His absence also affects pre-season preparations, with Ten Hag needing to test alternative strikers.
What comes next?
Sesko is expected to resume training next week, with a potential return in the final pre-season friendly against Chelsea on October 31. The club’s medical staff will monitor his progress closely. Meanwhile, Manchester United continue their preparations for the new season, aiming to build on their strong finish to 2024/25.
The Red Devils’ last competitive match was a 3-0 win over Brighton on May 24, 2026, and they will be eager to maintain that form when the Premier League resumes. With key players like Manuel Ugarte still sidelined, Ten Hag must balance caution with urgency in his squad’s recovery.
