How Man Utd could replace Benjamin Sesko by spending £40m

Manchester United’s hopes of mounting a push for the Premier League title in 2026/27 firmly rely upon their activity in the market before the transfer deadline.

Michael Carrick has already added Karl Darlow, Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans to his senior ranks, but additional reinforcements are undoubtedly needed.

The left-back area is an area which INEOS appear to be targeting, with Luke Shaw the only senior option available to the manager ahead of the new season.

However, the attacking department could also be bolstered in the weeks ahead to help take the strain off one of last summer’s big-money additions at Old Trafford.

Why Sesko may struggle at Man United during 2026/27

As part of last summer’s massive recruitment drive, United completed the £74m signing of striker Benjamin Sesko from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig.

Such a move injected needed quality into the club’s attacking department, with his form from last season showcasing why the Red Devils made the right call in spending big.

The Slovenian international netted 11 league goals during his debut campaign at Old Trafford, subsequently ending the year as the club’s joint-top goalscorer.

However, next season could well prove to be a struggle for the 23-year-old, with the talisman tasked with leading the line in the Premier League and Champions League.

The fixture congestion and playing twice in a week could start to take its toll on the big-money man and subsequently have an impact on performances within the final third.

Carrick’s men are actively looking to offload Joshua Zirkzee before the window closes, which would make Sesko the only senior option available to the manager at the top end of the pitch.

If the Red Devils are to succeed and be a force to be reckoned with during the upcoming campaign, it’s vital that INEOS delve into the summer window and add another forward option.

How Man Utd could replace Sesko this summer

With less than a month remaining in the transfer window, United will have to act quickly if they are to land another attacking option for Carrick this summer.

Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has emerged as a possible option for the Red Devils, with the player himself said to be open to a potential move to the Premier League.

However, he’s not the only attacking talent currently in the hierarchy’s sights, with Chelsea star Liam Delap once again appearing on their transfer shortlist.

It’s been reported by TEAMtalk that United have recently been in talks with the player’s representatives over the possibility of a move to Old Trafford.

They also claim that Everton and Nottingham Forest have too been in conversations of late, with the former of the two clubs said to be leading the race at present.

Any deal would see the 23-year-old complete a move back up north, but Xabi Alonso’s men are said to be demanding £40m to sanction the sale of the Englishman.

He was on the Red Devils’ shortlist prior to his move to Stamford Bridge last summer, but it appears as though a move could well be on the cards once again.

Such a move could prove to be a bargain for Carrick’s men this window, with Delap showcasing very similar traits to Sesko despite his struggles in West London.

The Englishman has gained a reputation for being a strong and physical striker who’s capable of leading the line and even operating as a hold-up option when called upon.

He managed to win an impressive tally of 2.1 aerials won per 90, whilst also winning 1.6 fouls per 90 – ranking him in the top 18% of fellow forwards in the division.

REUTERS/Hollie Adams

Both tallies showcase his ability to cause trouble within attacking areas of the pitch, which has seen the opposition having to foul him to prevent him from causing danger.

Such a skillset is similar to that of Sesko, who caught the eye massively at Old Trafford last season with his remarkable jumping and aerial ability.

Delap is also able to run in behind the backline and offer a channel runner, which allows him to complete 77% of the dribbles he attempted in the Premier League last season.

The aforementioned area is something which Sesko has demonstrated on a smaller scale, but both are players who can stretch the opposition in times of need.

The Chelsea man has struggled to find the net in recent times, but did score 12 goals during the 2024/25 campaign at Ipswich Town – a figure higher than the Slovenian managed last campaign.

Delap is a player many United fans will be sceptical about this summer, but a deal for the 23-year-old could well prove to be an astute piece of business.

He has the skill set to learn off of Sesko and help the £74m balance his game time – which in turn could allow both to thrive across all competitions in 2026/27.