Benjamin Sesko is yet to start a game for Manchester United, and Premier League fans are talking.
Goal-starved United were desperate for a new number nine, and after scouring the market for the perfect fit, they broke the bank to land Sesko.
Three league games into the season, their marquee striker is still waiting for his first Premier League start, which begs the question:
Why spend around £74 million on a player you do not believe is ready?
That is the question ex-Premier League forward Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink posed on Sky Sports.
Sesko should be ready
Discussing United’s striking situation, Hasselbaink argues:
“Man United need to win games, and they need their best players on the pitch. If you’re spending £75 million on a player, he needs to be ready; he needs to play.
“He needs to get ready quickly, especially when you’re not winning, especially if others aren’t doing it. Against Grimsby, I was a little disappointed.”
“You’d have thought Amorim would’ve gone full strength against Grimsby — get some momentum, get a win. It doesn’t matter how; build confidence, get Sesko scoring. Even if he’s not quite there physically, get him scoring.”
“Get some confidence in the team and get Sesko scoring” 💬
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink believes that Benjamin Sesko “needs to play”, having not started any of Manchester United’s Premier League matches so far this season🔴 pic.twitter.com/eGRfIThpXT
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) September 3, 2025
About time, Sesko started a Premier League game
Yes, the Premier League is a tough nut to crack. But while the argument remains that Sesko is not yet ready for the pressure, Hasselbaink makes a compelling case, insisting he ought to be starting games sooner rather than later.
United fans cannot truly appreciate the quality of the striker they have signed if he is not playing.
Given the controversy surrounding his transfer, with Arsenal heavily linked, and the millions splashed to bring him to Old Trafford, all eyes are on him to deliver.
Pressure to deliver
Sesko was billed as the upgrade on Rasmus Hojlund. But he can only live up to that tag if he starts scoring.
So far, he has had just one start, which was in the Carabao Cup.
Still, critics will point out he has made four appearances for United and is yet to find the net. If he reaches seven appearances without a goal contribution, expect the “James Bond 007” jibes to surface.
Whether ready or not, Amorim needs to be bold and throw the Slovenian hitman into the mix. Sesko could be the game-changer United need to kickstart their stuttering season.
The secret weapon
The Red Devils are creating the most goal-scoring chances in the league but wasting most of them. Sesko may be the cutting edge they have been missing.
After the international break, the expectation is clear: Sesko must start. There can be no excuses for delaying his full Premier League debut.
With Mason Mount and Matheus Cunha both injury doubts, Sesko should be handed the perfect opportunity to announce himself as the new king of Manchester as United look to paint the City red.
Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images
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Daniel Onguko
Since Dan was introduced to Manchester United in 2008, he has lived and breathed the club. What started as being a fan evolved into writing about United, allowing him to feel part of their journey. Hopefully, his work might even help rekindle your love for the kings of Manchester.
