Whilst Benjamin Sesko is criticised, £30m striker quietly confirms Man United got a lucky escape

Benjamin Sesko has struggled thus far to lead the line for Manchester United under Ruben Amorim, but the Red Devils could have acquired a striker who has performed even worse this season.

Sesko has come under fire for his time at Old Trafford so far, with the Slovenian failing to make much of an impact when he’s featured for Manchester United.

This is compounded by the fact that Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have slotted in perfectly, putting the 22-year-old’s performances even more in the spotlight.

Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images

Sesko wasn’t the only striker United were linked to. Many others were considered in the summer, including Liam Delap, who isn’t spoken about enough.

Liam Delap looked Manchester United-bound

Back in May 2025, Delap was attracting interest from several Premier League clubs after being relegated with Ipswich Town, and it was believed that Man Utd were the frontrunners.

The 22-year-old had a release clause of just £30m, and with the Red Devils desperate for a striker, it seemed like a no-brainer for Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos to pull the trigger on the former Man City man.

However, the move did not materialise. Instead, Chelsea swooped in for Delap, and the striker made it clear that the Stamford Bridge outfit was his preferred destination.

At the time, it was a blow for the Red Devils, but with hindsight, it may have been a blessing in disguise.

No one is talking about Liam Delap at Chelsea

The young forward was injured for the first half of the season, and since returning, has looked off the pace in a blue shirt.

He has yet to open his account in England’s top flight for Chelsea and was even sent off on his debut.

Delap was particularly poor against Burnley on Saturday in the Premier League, failing to make much of an impact.

Former Manchester United player Michael Owen was critical of his performance against the Clarets.

He told Premier League Productions, “He probably could have passed it a couple of times.

“If he plays this ball in [to Pedro Neto, on his right] and makes a run to take the defender away, he will leave Neto with a one-on-one in this area.

Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images

“I think he’s got to do that instead of being a bit selfish and thinking he’s going to score a goal on his own.

“He takes a pot-shot from 25 yards and it’s not great.”

Benjamin Sesko will be much better than Liam Delap

Granted, Sesko’s fee was monumentally higher than Delap’s release clause, but United ultimately got the player with a higher ceiling – and one of the most in-demand young forwards in world football.

Who should start as striker for Man Utd with Benjamin Sesko injured?

Some players naturally need more time to adapt to the Premier League and the pressure of playing for Manchester United.

Sesko will come good at Old Trafford. At such a young age, he’s still finding his feet around Carrington, and when he does, he’ll surely thrive.