Failing to secure a new goalkeeper until the very end of the transfer window was a clear oversight, although the signing of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig for the substantial fee of £74m definitely seemed like progress in the right direction.

Sesko's signing as a sign of confidence in Amorim

His acquisition not only represented the board’s trust in their manager but also gave the Portuguese coach a striker capable of scoring consistently.

United had serious difficulties last season with both Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund leading the attack, and given Sesko’s goal record at Leipzig – 39 goals in 87 appearances – there was reason to believe the Red Devils had secured one of the best young scoring prospects in the game.

Less enthusiasm surrounded the signing of the physically strong forward, Bryan Mbeumo, who came from Premier League competitors Brentford.

Although the Cameroonian had netted 70 goals and assisted 51 times in 242 matches, mostly playing on the right wing, his arrival didn’t generate the same excitement as the 22-year-old Slovenian’s transfer.

Lack of speed, lack of confidence

Fast forward a few months, and it’s clear who has become Amorim’s most vital attacker.

While no one claims the Bundesliga is inferior to the English Premier League, Sesko has struggled significantly in England.

His lack of pace – a problem also seen with Zirkzee and Hojlund – and poor decision-making in front of goal have been exposed repeatedly, especially during the recent match against Tottenham Hotspur this past weekend.

A late opportunity that could have sealed the game for United perfectly illustrated Sesko’s current struggles.

Set up behind the Spurs defense by a brilliant Mason Mount pass with just three minutes remaining, and with only the goalkeeper to beat, the Slovenian hesitated too long, allowing Micky van de Ven to recover and clear the danger.

In over 30 minutes on the pitch in North London, Sesko managed only three touches inside the Tottenham penalty area. Not a single shot on goal, let alone one on target.

Mbeumo has excelled at United

Often second to the ball, it’s apparent that Sesko is a reactive rather than proactive striker, which is not what United currently require.

Although his movement is decent, his chance creation and finishing have been far below the standard expected at this level.

Regarding shot conversion, Sesko’s rate is just 8.3%, which is significantly lower than Mbeumo’s 20.7%.

After 12 games this season, Mbeumo has already scored six goals – four more than the more hyped Sesko – including another strike against Tottenham.

That goal, until the final 10 minutes, seemed poised to hand another home defeat to his former Brentford manager, Thomas Frank.

Interestingly, Mbeumo’s 29 total shots in the 2025/26 season are only five more than Sesko’s, highlighting part of United’s issue with the latter.

Was Sesko’s recruitment by United another error?

Notably, Mbeumo has also been much better in linking play with his teammates. His pass completion rate of 80.5% is quite acceptable, whereas Sesko’s 64.6% is the poorest among outfield players at Old Trafford.

Sesko’s mere 13 ball recoveries in 12 games indicate a lack of work rate, while Mbeumo is far ahead with 34 instances of regaining possession for United.

The only area where Sesko outperforms Mbeumo is in one-on-one duels; the Slovenian’s 36.3% success rate slightly edges past the 26-year-old’s 31.6%.

In aerial battles, the difference is stark, with Mbeumo winning only three compared to Sesko’s 28.

Perhaps the young player will be given more time to adjust to a new league, environment, and the pressures of being a Man Utd striker, but goals are the currency of forwards, and Sesko has yet to deliver.

Although it would be a bold move by Amorim, perhaps resting the Slovenian for a few matches might benefit him.

This would implicitly acknowledge that the club might have erred again in recruitment; however, Sesko’s current performance and evident lack of confidence are harming both himself and the team.