Is Benjamin Sesko the Next Haaland? A Deep Dive into Man United’s Rising Star
Manchester United’s $90.1 million investment in Benjamin Šeško last August raised eyebrows and expectations. Now, in his first Premier League season, the 22-year-old striker is drawing comparisons to Erling Haaland, but is the hype justified? Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha certainly thinks so, believing Šeško possesses “Haaland-level potential.” But a closer gaze at his performance and the paths of both players reveals a more nuanced picture.
Šeško’s Premier League Debut: A Measured Start
So far in the 2025-26 season, Šeško has found the back of the net six times in 21 Premier League matches. While a respectable tally, it pales in comparison to Haaland’s explosive debut season with Manchester City, where he scored a record-breaking 36 goals. Šeško’s transition from the German Bundesliga, where he scored 27 goals in 64 appearances for RB Leipzig, hasn’t been seamless.
However, Saha points to key similarities between the two players. “He has a style like [Haaland], where his physique, his size, and his athleticism can really help,” Saha explained to CasinoHawks. “But there is also an element to his technique that allows him to score other types of goals.” This technical ability, often overlooked in taller strikers, could be the key to Šeško unlocking his full potential.
The Bundesliga Blueprint: A Shared Path
Both Šeško and Haaland followed a similar trajectory to the Premier League, honing their skills in the Bundesliga. Haaland’s immediate impact at Manchester City, however, set a remarkably high bar. Šeško’s current output suggests he’s still developing, but his former coaches remain optimistic.
Expert Opinions: Echoes of Haaland’s Potential
Rene Aufhauser, who coached both Haaland and Šeško at RB Salzburg, believes Šeško is already close to Haaland’s level. Aufhauser rated Haaland a “10 out of 10” and Šeško a “nine, nine-and-a-half out of 10,” predicting the United striker will reach Haaland’s heights within one or two years. Another former coach also predicted Šeško would reach Haaland’s level.
This confidence stems from observing Šeško’s raw talent and potential for growth. While Haaland’s impact was immediate, coaches believe Šeško’s development curve could be equally impressive, given time and opportunity.
Beyond Goals: The Importance of Supporting Cast
Saha also highlighted the importance of the team around Šeško. He believes that with the right support, Šeško could consistently score 20-25 goals per season. He specifically mentioned players like Bryan Mbeumo, who can contribute to creating scoring opportunities.
This underscores a crucial point: individual talent is only one piece of the puzzle. A cohesive team, tactical flexibility, and a supportive environment are essential for any striker to thrive.
Will Šeško Reach Haaland’s Peak?
While Šeško’s current statistics don’t match Haaland’s meteoric rise, the underlying potential is undeniable. The comparisons aren’t simply about goal numbers; they’re about a unique combination of physicality, athleticism, and technical skill.
Šeško’s journey is still in its early stages. His development will depend on factors such as consistent playing time, tactical integration, and the overall performance of Manchester United. But with the backing of experienced coaches and a growing belief in his abilities, Benjamin Šeško could very well become a Premier League force to be reckoned with.
FAQ
Q: How many goals has Benjamin Šeško scored for Manchester United this season?
A: As of February 21, 2026, Šeško has scored six goals in 21 Premier League matches.
Q: Who has compared Benjamin Šeško to Erling Haaland?
A: Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha and former RB Salzburg coach Rene Aufhauser have both drawn comparisons between the two players.
Q: How much did Manchester United pay for Benjamin Šeško?
A: Manchester United paid a reported $90.1 million USD transfer fee for Šeško.
Q: What did Šeško’s former coach say about his potential?
A: Rene Aufhauser believes Šeško is currently a “nine, nine-and-a-half out of 10” and will reach Haaland’s level within one or two years.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Šeško’s performance in the coming months. His ability to adapt to the Premier League and build chemistry with his teammates will be crucial to his success.
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