Benjamin Sesko: Only one United star faster than Slovenian this season

Manchester United’s £74 million summer signing Benjamin Sesko has underlined why the club broke its transfer record for a teenager, combining ruthless finishing with searing pace that has left only Bryan Mbeumo ahead of him in the club’s speed charts this season.

The 22-year-old Slovenian, whose early weeks at Old Trafford were described as “slow”, has accelerated into form since the turn of the year, scoring eight goals in 24 appearances across all competitions. Six of those strikes have arrived in his last seven games, including Monday’s decisive counter-attacking goal against Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

That 70-yard burst past James Tarkowski was clocked at 35.3 km/h by Opta, marginally quicker than the 34.9 km/h he recorded versus Newcastle in December but still shy of Mbeumo’s season-best 36.3 km/h set during August’s 1-1 draw with Fulham. The Cameroonian winger, signed last summer alongside Sesko, has contributed 10 goals and three assists so far, teeing up his Slovenian teammate for the winner against the Toffees.

Sesko’s raw speed is no surprise to Bundesliga observers; he hit 35.7 km/h last term with RB Leipzig after arriving from sister club Red Bull Salzburg in 2023. Across two campaigns in Germany the 6ft 5in striker plundered 39 goals in 87 games, form that persuaded United to gazump Arsenal—who ultimately opted for Viktor Gyokeres—and invest heavily in a new No. 9 following Rasmus Hojlund’s struggles.

Despite his recent impact, Sesko is yet to make a competitive start under head coach Michael Carrick. With Crystal Palace visiting Old Trafford on Sunday, supporters and pundits alike are urging Carrick to unleash the Slovenian from the opening whistle, arguing that his blend of power, pace and predatory instinct has earned him the opportunity.

Should Sesko maintain his upward trajectory, Mbeumo’s crown as United’s outright fastest player may soon be under serious threat.