Manchester United's recent performance has been a rollercoaster, and the absence of key player Benjamin Sesko adds an intriguing twist. The impact of Sesko's presence or absence on United's results is a topic that has sparked debate among fans and analysts alike.
Let's delve into the numbers and explore how United has fared with and without Sesko in the 2025/26 season.
Sesko's Impact on United's Results
Since joining United in the summer, Sesko has started in six out of eleven Premier League games. Interestingly, there seems to be no clear pattern to United's performance when Sesko is in the starting lineup. They've won three, drawn one, and lost two of those games.
Sesko's goals have been crucial, with both of his strikes coming in games he started - against Brentford and Sunderland. However, United has also managed to secure wins in two of the five games Sesko missed, losing only once.
United's Inconsistent Form
United's overall performance in the 2025/26 season has been a mixed bag. They currently sit in seventh place in the Premier League, reflecting their inconsistent form. The win rate with and without Sesko mirrors this inconsistency, but it also suggests that United can still perform well without their star striker.
Sesko's Influence on Premier League Results (2025/2026)
| Match Involvement | Total Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Sesko Started | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| Sesko Did Not Start | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total | 11 | 5 | 3 | 3 |
Chronological Match Breakdown (6 Starts)
| Date | Opponent | Result | Sesko Status |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 17 Aug | Arsenal | L 0-1 | Did Not Start |
| 24 Aug | Fulham | D 1-1 | Did Not Start |
| 30 Aug | Burnley | W 3-2 | Did Not Start |
| 14 Sep | Man City | L 0-3 | Started |
| 20 Sep | Chelsea | W 2-1 | Started |
| 27 Sep | Brentford | L 1-3 | Started |
| 4 Oct | Sunderland | W 2-0 | Started |
| 19 Oct | Liverpool | W 2-1 | Did Not Start |
| 25 Oct | Brighton | W 4-2 | Started |
| 1 Nov | Nott'm Forest | D 2-2 | Started |
| 8 Nov | Tottenham | D 2-2 | Did Not Start |
Ruben Amorim's Strategy
Ruben Amorim, United's manager, has not been solely reliant on Sesko this season. This strategic approach has put him in a better position to deal with Sesko's injury. Amorim has utilized players like Mason Mount and Matheus Cunha as strikers, while Joshua Zirkzee awaits his first start of the season.
With a host of options available, Amorim has shown his tactical flexibility. He has already experimented with a fluid playing style, pushing Mount or Cunha up front. This versatility will be crucial during Sesko's absence, as United faces Everton at home and Crystal Palace away, matches Sesko is almost certain to miss.
Final Thoughts
United's performance with and without Sesko highlights the team's ability to adapt and perform consistently. Amorim's management and strategic decisions will be put to the test during this period.
But here's where it gets controversial: Do you think United's performance will be significantly impacted by Sesko's absence? Or has Amorim's tactical flexibility prepared the team well enough to weather this storm? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
