Manchester United have returned for pre-season and there is a worrying situation to keep track of.
Michael Carrick and his coaching staff have begun work for 2026/27 by putting the returning players through their paces for pre-season.
Those available are working towards the first pre-season friendly, set to take place in Helsinki against Wrexham on July 18.
There is reason to be a little concerned about star striker Benjamin Sesko already.
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Benjamin Sesko is back, but is he ready?
Benjamin Sesko was pictured reporting for pre-season as planned on July 9. Slovenia were not involved at the World Cup, freeing up his summer calendar.
However, Sesko was not pictured among the players out on the training pitch when United released a set of images from the session.
Joshua Zirkzee, Patrick Dorgu, Bryan Mbeumo, Mason Mount, Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire were among the players pictured as the players began ball drills for the first time.
Sesko was conspicuous by his absence, and after the way his season ended, there is reason to be worried.
It was during Manchester United 3-2 victory over Liverpool in early May that Sesko was shoved off the pitch and aggravated a pre-existing shin injury that he was playing through.
Sesko was kept out of United’s three remaining games of the season, with Champions League qualification secured.
With the summer to recuperate, United fans had hoped Sesko would be able to shake off the issue. But it may not be so straightforward.
His apparent absence from the session shows that United are still treating Sesko’s fitness with caution, placing him on a separate recovery programme.
Sesko might resume full training this week, but United have already tipped their hat. It seems he may not be at 100 per cent.
Hopefully he will be available to face Wrexham next weekend. If he is not, then the concern among fans will ramp up further.
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United’s striker depth
Benjamin Sesko is United’s first choice striker. United do have options behind him.
- Bryan Mbeumo
- Matheus Cunha
- Joshua Zirkzee
- Chido Obi
Mbeumo and Cunha can both play up front – but they may also be more valuable in other positions. Chido Obi’s future is unclear amid suggestions he may be sent out on loan.
This would leave Joshua Zirkzee, a player who has struggled to prove he is capable of leading the line for the Red Devils.
United fans would like to see another striker brought in, a back-up forward who can fill-in. Danny Welbeck anyone?
If there are doubts over Sesko’s fitness heading into the season, this desire turns from a luxury into an essential.
Amid a difficult summer for United in the transfer market, this is one more headache the club may have to deal with, and should not shy away from.
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