Introduction
Manchester United’s 2025/26 signings promised to reshape Old Trafford’s attacking landscape, and among Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo, one player has emerged as a revelation in the number 9 role.
Sesko has shown an uncanny ability to finish chances inside the box, dominate aerial duels, and provide consistent attacking output — even in limited minutes.
This article examines why Sesko should play striker for Man United, using advanced Premier League statistics, per 90 metrics, and tactical analysis.
We break down goals, assists, chance creation, passing, duels, and overall influence in possession and off the ball to demonstrate why Sesko not only fits the central striker role but also elevates Manchester United’s frontline when deployed there.
While Mbeumo and Cunha offer versatility and creativity, the data makes it clear that Sesko is the most natural and lethal option leading the line.
This analysis is part of our Premier League player comparison series, where we break down key positional battles using stats, roles, and tactical impact. Y
ou can explore the full comparison hub here: Premier League Player Comparisons 2025/26: Stats, Roles & Tactical Impact.
| Metric | Benjamin Sesko | Matheus Cunha | Bryan Mbeumo | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Games Played | 21 | 23 | 21 | Cunha |
| Minutes | 1,101 | 1,634 | 1,810 | Mbeumo |
| Touches (per 90) | 33.1 | 55.7 | 48.9 | Cunha |
| Shot Accuracy % | 58.97% | 55.81% | 63.04% | Mbeumo |
| Shots on Target (per 90) | 1.9 | 1.4 | 1.5 | Sesko |
| Hit Woodwork (per 90) | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.1 | Sesko |
| Away Goals (per 90) | 0.4 | 0.2 | 0.2 | Sesko |
| Home Goals (per 90) | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.3 | Mbeumo |
| Non-Penalty Goals (per 90) | 0.5 | 0.4 | 0.5 | Sesko / Mbeumo |
| Goals Inside Box (per 90) | 0.5 | 0.3 | 0.5 | Sesko / Mbeumo |
| Goals Outside Box (per 90) | 0 | 0.2 | 0 | Cunha |
| Conversion Rate % | 15.38% | 13.95% | 19.57% | Mbeumo |
| Assists (per 90) | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.1 | Cunha |
| Chances Created (per 90) | 0.7 | 1.3 | 1.6 | Mbeumo |
| Crosses Attempted (per 90) | 0.2 | 1.7 | 3.8 | Mbeumo |
| Crosses Completed (per 90) | 0 | 0.4 | 1.4 | Mbeumo |
| Crossing Accuracy % | 0% | 20% | 35.53% | Mbeumo |
| Aerial Duels Contested (per 90) | 7.2 | 2.7 | 3.3 | Sesko |
| Aerial Duels Won (per 90) | 3.7 | 0.9 | 0.5 | Sesko |
| Aerial Duel Success % | 51.14% | 31.25% | 13.85% | Sesko |
| Lay-Offs Completed (per 90) | 2.1 | 1.9 | 2.3 | Mbeumo |
| Duels Contested (per 90) | 12.6 | 13.3 | 9.6 | Cunha |
| Duels Won (per 90) | 5 | 6 | 3 | Cunha |
| Tackles Made (per 90) | 0.5 | 1.5 | 0.8 | Cunha |
| Fouls from Tackles (per 90) | 0.5 | 0.3 | 0.6 | Sesko / Cunha |
| Take-Ons Completed (per 90) | 0.5 | 1.8 | 0.7 | Cunha |
| Take-On Success % | 26.09% | 51.67% | 30.95% | Cunha |
| Fouls Won (per 90) | 0.4 | 2.1 | 1.1 | Cunha |
| Fouls Committed (per 90) | 1.1 | 0.7 | 0.8 | Cunha |
| Ground Duels Contested (per 90) | 5.4 | 10.6 | 6.4 | Cunha |
| Ground Duels Won (per 90) | 1.3 | 5.2 | 2.6 | Cunha |
| Ground Duel Success % | 22.73% | 48.44% | 40.16% | Cunha |
| Ball Recoveries (per 90) | 2 | 4.5 | 3.4 | Cunha |
| Possession Lost (per 90) | 11.7 | 14.8 | 14.9 | Sesko |
| Times Tackled (per 90) | 3.3 | 4 | 2.6 | Sesko |
Games
Benjamin Sesko – Manchester United – 2025-2026 – 21
Matheus Cunha – Manchester United – 2025-2026 – 23
Bryan Mbeumo – Manchester United – 2025-2026 – 21
Total games played is one of the most important availability metrics in the Premier League. Yes you may be gifted, but can you show up when needed?
Consistent appearances show selection trust, match fitness, tactical importance, squad reliability, and overall involvement across competitions during the 2025/26 season.
When assessing new signings at Old Trafford, Matheus Cunha has 23 games, Bryan Mbeumo has 21 games and Benjamin Sesko has 21 games.
Minutes
Benjamin Sesko – Manchester United – 2025-2026 – 1,101
Matheus Cunha – Manchester United – 2025-2026 – 1,634
Bryan Mbeumo – Manchester United – 2025-2026 – 1,810
While games played shows availability, total minutes played is a stronger indicator of real on-pitch impact in the Premier League.
In a Manchester United 2025/26 signing comparison, minutes played helps contextualise attacking output, per 90 stats, and overall contribution at the club
Bryan Mbeumo has 1,810 minutes, Matheus Cunha has 1,634 minutes and Benjamin Sesko has 1,101 minutes.
Verdict: Mbeumo wins it, despite spending some time away at the African Cup of Nations
Touches
Benjamin Sesko – 404 or 33.1 per 90
Matheus Cunha – 1010 or 55.7 per 90
Bryan Mbeumo – 982 or 48.9 per 90
Touches are a key metric in football because they indicate how involved a player is in the build-up play, link-up passing, and overall influence on the game. High touch counts often reflect a player’s ability to find space, receive the ball under pressure, and impact attacking sequences.
In this Manchester United 2025/26 Premier League comparison, Benjamin Sesko has 404 touches in total or 33.1 per 90, Matheus Cunha has 1,010 or 55.7 per 90, and Bryan Mbeumo has 982 or 48.9 per 90.
Winner: Matheus Cunha
Shot Accuracy %
Benjamin Sesko – 58.97%
Matheus Cunha – 55.81%
Bryan Mbeumo – 63.04%
Shot accuracy percentage is a crucial attacking metric in any Premier League player comparison, especially when analysing forwards and wide attackers at Manchester United.
In football shot accuracy measures how efficiently a player tests the goalkeeper and converts attacking opportunities into shots on target. You cannot score unless the shot is on target first.
For these new signings in the 2025/26 season, who has greater attacking efficiency, goal threat, and overall impact in the final third at Old Trafford.
Bryan Mbeumo has 63.04%, Benjamin Sesko has 58.97% and Matheus Cunha has 55.81%.
Verdict: Mbeumo wins it
Shots On Target
Benjamin Sesko – 23 or 1.9 per 90
Matheus Cunha – 24 or 1.4 per 90
Bryan Mbeumo – 29 or 1.5 per 90
For these new Manchester United forwards, tracking shots on target both in total and per 90 minutes paints a slightly different picture for the three players.
Matheus Cunha has 24 or 1.4 per 90, Bryan Mbeumo has 29 or 1.5 per 90, and Benjamin Sesko has 23 or 1.9 per 90.
With the highest shots-on-target per 90, Sesko’s total would rise even further if he logged more minutes on the pitch.
This could also indicate that Sesko is the player best-suited to play as a number 9 among these three players – you want a striker who is not shy of going for goal and doing it as accurately as possible.
Verdict: Benjamin Sesko wins it
Hit Woodwork
Benjamin Sesko – 3 or 0.3 per 90
Matheus Cunha – 3 or 0.2 per 90
Bryan Mbeumo – 1 or 0.1 per 90
Hitting the woodwork is a key stat because it highlights players who create high-quality scoring chances and come agonizingly close to scoring. And quite similar to shots on target, it reflects precision and threat inside the box.
Cunha has 3 or 0.2 per 90, Mbeumo has 1 or 0.1 per 90, and Sesko has 3 or 0.3 per 90.
This suggests that Benjamin Sesko could be scoring significantly more goals if he sharpens his finishing and improves his accuracy just slightly. It also reinforces what the previous stat – shots on target – had indicated – Sesko may the best fit for the number 9 position at Manchester United.
Verdict: Benjamin Sesko wins it
Away Goals
Benjamin Sesko – 4 or 0.4 per 90
Matheus Cunha – 3 or 0.2 per 90
Bryan Mbeumo – 4 or 0.2 per 90
Away goals are important because scoring on the road often shows a player’s composure and effectiveness under pressure in hostile environments. Can you perform well when most of the immediate audience is probably booing you and hoping for you to fail?
Cunha has 3 or 0.2 per 90, Mbeumo has 4 or 0.2 per 90, and Sesko has 4 or 0.4 per 90.
This shows that Sesko is the most potent threat among these Manchester United forwards when playing away from Old Trafford in high-pressure Premier League matches. He is probably the mentality monster among these three players.
It wouldn’t surprise as if Benjamin Sesko is selected to start for a number of away games for the club – it seems with more game time, he might end up scoring more.
Verdict: Benjamin Sesko wins it
Home Goals
Benjamin Sesko – 2 or 0.2 per 90
Matheus Cunha – 3 or 0.2 per 90
Bryan Mbeumo – 5 or 0.3 per 90
Home goals are crucial in football because they help a team turn their stadium into a fortress, asserting dominance and securing points in front of their fans. If you want to lift trophies, your home record needs to be very good.
Overall, Cunha has 3, Mbeumo has 5, and Sesko has 2. Per 90 minutes, Cunha has 0.2, Mbeumo has 0.3, and Sesko has 0.2.
Verdict: Mbeumo wins it
Non-Penalty Goals
Benjamin Sesko – 6 or 0.5 per 90
Matheus Cunha – 6 or 0.4 per 90
Bryan Mbeumo – 9 or 0.5 per 90
Goals are the most critical metric for any forward in football, as they directly influence match outcomes and define a team’s attacking potency. Looking at both total goals and per 90-minute output helps capture not just overall contribution but also scoring efficiency.
In the 2025-2026 Premier League season, Benjamin Sesko has 6 goals in total, translating to 0.5 per 90 minutes. Matheus Cunha also has 6 goals in total, which comes out to 0.4 per 90. Bryan Mbeumo leads in total goals with 9, and he matches Sesko’s per 90 rate at 0.5.
This suggests that with more minutes on the pitch, Benjamin Sesko could emerge as Manchester United’s top scorer among their new attacking signings. Another reason for the coach to give the young striker more minutes as a number 9.
Although Sesko is a more efficient goal-scorer, there is no doubt that Mbeumo is a also a good goal-scorer but may need more minutes to score a higher volume.
Verdict: Benjamin Sesko wins it
Goals from Inside the Box
Benjamin Sesko – 6 or 0.5 per 90
Matheus Cunha – 4 or 0.3 per 90
Bryan Mbeumo – 9 or 0.5 per 90
Goals from inside the box are crucial because they typically come from high-percentage scoring areas, highlighting a striker’s positioning, timing, and finishing ability in tight spaces.
For Manchester United’s new attacking options, Benjamin Sesko has 6 goals from inside the box in total | 0.5 per 90, Matheus Cunha has 4 goals | 0.3 per 90, and Bryan Mbeumo has 9 goals | 0.5 per 90.
Given more minutes on the pitch, Benjamin Sesko could emerge as the most lethal of Manchester United’s new forwards inside the box.
Verdict: Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo win it
Goals from Outside the Box
Benjamin Sesko – 0 | 0
Matheus Cunha – 2 or 0.2 per 90
Bryan Mbeumo – 0 | 0
Goals from outside the box are crucial as they show a player’s ability to score from distance, adding a different dimension to the attack and keeping opposition defenses on their toes.
In this metric, Matheus Cunha has 2 goals in total | 0.2 per 90, Benjamin Sesko has 0 | 0, and Bryan Mbeumo has 0 | 0.
This shows that Matheus Cunha has the capability to operate effectively as a number 10 for Manchester United, giving Benjamin Sesko the freedom to lead the line as the number 9, while Cunha can still be relied upon to score from distance and add a long-range threat to the Red Devils’ attack.
Verdict: Matheus Cunha wins it
Conversion Rate %
Benjamin Sesko – 15.38%
Matheus Cunha – 13.95%
Bryan Mbeumo – 19.57%
In football, conversion rate is a crucial stat because it measures a player’s efficiency in turning shots into goals, highlighting finishing quality and attacking effectiveness.
For Manchester United’s new forwards: Cunha has 13.95%, Mbeumo has 19.57%, and Sesko has 15.38%.
Verdict: Mbeumo wins it
Assists
Benjamin Sesko – 1 or 0.1 per 90
Matheus Cunha – 2 or 0.2 per 90
Bryan Mbeumo – 2 or 0.1 per 90
Assists are a key attacking metric in football because they measure a player’s ability to create goals for teammates by finding the perfect final pass before a shot on goal.
In a Manchester United 2025/26 player comparison, assists highlight creativity, link-up quality, and final-third decision-making in the Premier League.
Benjamin Sesko has 1 assist in total or 0.1 per 90, Matheus Cunha has 2 assists in total or 0.2 per 90, and Bryan Mbeumo has 2 assists in total or 0.1 per 90.
Assists also show that Matheus Cunha can play behind a number 9 and provide the assists needed to help his team score and win. Again, this could be an indication that both Cunha and Sesko can play comfortably in one team, especially when Bruno –the preferred number 9 – needs a rest or is unavailable.
Verdict: Matheus Cunha wins it
Chances Created
Benjamin Sesko – 8 or 0.7 per 90
Matheus Cunha – 23 or 1.3 per 90
Bryan Mbeumo – 32 or 1.6 per 90
Chances created is a vital attacking metric in football because it measures a player’s ability to generate goal-scoring opportunities for teammates.
In a Manchester United 2025/26 player comparison, this stat highlights creativity, vision, and influence in the final third during the Premier League season.
Benjamin Sesko has 8 chances created in total or 0.7 per 90, Matheus Cunha has 23 chances created in total or 1.3 per 90, and Bryan Mbeumo has 32 chances created in total or 1.6 per 90.
In this case, Bryan Mbeumo has demonstrated a superior ability to create goal-scoring opportunities, which helps explain why he not only leads these Manchester United forwards in goals but has also played the most minutes during the 2025/26 Premier League season.
But could these chances be coming in from the wings? Mmh. And if yes, what does that imply?
Verdict: Mbeumo wins it
Crosses Attempted
Benjamin Sesko – 2 or 0.2 per 90
Matheus Cunha – 30 or 1.7 per 90
Bryan Mbeumo – 76 or 3.8 per 90
Crosses Completed
Benjamin Sesko – 0 | 0
Matheus Cunha – 6 or 0.4 per 90
Bryan Mbeumo – 27 or 1.4 per 90
Crossing Accuracy %
Benjamin Sesko – 0%
Matheus Cunha – 20%
Bryan Mbeumo – 35.53%
Crossing metrics are crucial because they measure a player’s ability to deliver accurate balls into the penalty area, stretch defensive lines, and create aerial or tap-in opportunities. They are one of the best ways of creating goal-scoring chances.
In this Manchester United 2025/26 player comparison, which forward provides the most width, service quality, and creative output in the Premier League?
In terms of crosses attempted, Benjamin Sesko has 2 in total or 0.2 per 90, Matheus Cunha has 30 or 1.7 per 90, and Bryan Mbeumo has 76 or 3.8 per 90.
Among these three players, Sesko is the least most likely to attempt a cross.
Looking at crosses completed, Sesko has 0 or 0 per 90, Cunha has 6 or 0.4 per 90, and Mbeumo has 27 or 1.4 per 90. For crossing accuracy, Sesko records 0%, Cunha posts 20%, and Mbeumo registers 35.53%.
Based on volume, delivery quality, and efficiency, Bryan Mbeumo stands out as the crossing specialist among Manchester United’s new forwards in the 2025/26 Premier League season, combining the highest attempt rate with the strongest completion numbers and accuracy.
This suggests that Bryan Mbeumo is the most adaptable of these Manchester United forwards, capable of operating on the wings when required and providing additional attacking width and crossing threat in the 2025/26 Premier League season.
No doubt his speed can also massively help his team exploit the wings.
Verdict: Mbeumo wins it
If Mbeumo plays on the wings and delivers the crosses? Can Sesko be counted upon to win the aerial balls inside the box?
Aerial Duels Contested
Benjamin Sesko – 88 or 7.2 per 90
Matheus Cunha – 48 or 2.7 per 90
Bryan Mbeumo – 65 or 3.3 per 90
Aerial Duels Won
Benjamin Sesko – 45 or 3.7 per 90
Matheus Cunha – 15 or 0.9 per 90
Bryan Mbeumo – 9 or 0.5 per 90
Aerial Duel Success %
Benjamin Sesko – 51.14%
Matheus Cunha – 31.25%
Bryan Mbeumo – 13.85%
Aerial duel metrics are crucial because they measure a player’s physical presence, timing, and dominance in the air.
They are one of the best indicators of a forward’s ability to win long balls, compete in the box, and provide an aerial outlet in attacking and defensive situations.
In this Manchester United 2025/26 player comparison, which forward offers the strongest aerial threat and physical dominance in Premier League matches? Can Sesko be relied upon to get on the end of crosses in the box?
In terms of aerial duels contested, Benjamin Sesko has 88 in total or 7.2 per 90, Matheus Cunha has 48 or 2.7 per 90, and Bryan Mbeumo has 65 or 3.3 per 90. Among these three players, Sesko is the most involved in aerial battles.
Looking at aerial duels won, Sesko has 45 or 3.7 per 90, Cunha has 15 or 0.9 per 90, and Mbeumo has 9 or 0.5 per 90. For aerial duel success rate, Sesko records 51.14%, Cunha posts 31.25%, and Mbeumo registers 13.85%.
Winner: Benjamin Sesko
Lay-Offs Completed
Benjamin Sesko – 25 | 2.1
Matheus Cunha – 34 | 1.9
Bryan Mbeumo – 46 | 2.3
Lay-offs completed are an important metric in modern football because they measure a forward’s ability to link play, retain possession under pressure, and bring teammates into attacking sequences.
In this Manchester United 2025/26 player comparison, lay-offs highlight hold-up play, combination quality, and overall involvement in build-up during the Premier League season. Which is vital when the team needs to ease pressure at the back – the hold-up play gives times for your team to advance forward and assume a high defensive line.
Benjamin Sesko has 25 lay-offs completed in total | 2.1 per 90, Matheus Cunha has 34 | 1.9 per 90, and Bryan Mbeumo has 46 | 2.3 per 90.
Based on both total volume and per 90 contribution, Bryan Mbeumo leads this category among Manchester United’s new forwards in the 2025/26 Premier League season, posting the highest overall and rate-based numbers.
Verdict: Mbeumo wins it
Defensive Duties
Forwards are now expected to shoulder some of the team’s defensive work. Who is the best among these three Manchester United forwards?
Duels Contested
Benjamin Sesko – 154 or 12.6 per 90
Matheus Cunha – 240 or 13.3 per 90
Bryan Mbeumo – 192 or 9.6 per 90
Duels Won
Benjamin Sesko – 60 or 5 per 90
Matheus Cunha – 108 or 6 per 90
Bryan Mbeumo – 60 or 3 per 90
Duels contested are a vital physical and tactical metric in modern football because they measure a player’s involvement in battles for possession. They also highlight a player’s work rate and physical presence, which are necessary for winning the ball quickly after conceding possession.
Benjamin Sesko has 154 duels contested in total or 12.6 per 90, Matheus Cunha has 240 or 13.3 per 90, and Bryan Mbeumo has 192 or 9.6 per 90.
Based on total volume and per 90 involvement, Matheus Cunha leads in duels contested among Manchester United’s new forwards in the 2025/26 Premier League season, recording the highest overall and rate-based figures.
Winner: Matheus Cunha wins it
Tackles Made
Benjamin Sesko – 5 or 0.5 per 90
Matheus Cunha – 26 or 1.5 per 90
Bryan Mbeumo – 16 or 0.8 per 90
Tackles made are an important defensive metric in football because they measure a player’s work rate, pressing intensity, and willingness to contribute when his team doesn’t have the ball.
In this Manchester United 2025/26 player comparison, which forward contributes the most defensively through ball-winning actions?
In terms of tackles made, Benjamin Sesko has 5 in total or 0.5 per 90, Matheus Cunha has 26 or 1.5 per 90, and Bryan Mbeumo has 16 or 0.8 per 90.
Winner: Matheus Cunha
Fouls from Tackle Attempts
Benjamin Sesko – 5 or 0.5 per 90
Matheus Cunha – 5 or 0.3 per 90
Bryan Mbeumo – 11 or 0.6 per 90
Fouls from tackle attempts are an important defensive metric because they measure aggression, timing, and discipline when pressing or attempting to win back possession.
In terms of fouls from tackle attempts, Benjamin Sesko has 5 in total or 0.5 per 90, Matheus Cunha has 5 or 0.3 per 90, and Bryan Mbeumo has 11 or 0.6 per 90.
Winner: Sesko and Cunha are cleaner.
Take-Ons Completed
Benjamin Sesko – 6 or 0.5 per 90
Matheus Cunha – 31 or 1.8 per 90
Bryan Mbeumo – 13 or 0.7 per 90
Take-ons completed are a crucial attacking metric in modern football because they measure a player’s ability to beat defenders in one-v-one situations, progress the ball, and destabilize defensive structures.
In terms of take-ons completed, Benjamin Sesko has 6 in total or 0.5 per 90, Matheus Cunha has 31 or 1.8 per 90, and Bryan Mbeumo has 13 or 0.7 per 90.
Take-On Success %
Benjamin Sesko – 26.09%
Matheus Cunha – 51.67%
Bryan Mbeumo – 30.95%
Take-on success percentage is a key attacking efficiency metric because it measures how often a player successfully beats their defender when attempting a dribble.
Benjamin Sesko records 26.09%, Matheus Cunha posts 51.67%, and Bryan Mbeumo registers 30.95%.
Winner: Matheus Cunha
There is no doubt that Cunha is one of the best ball-carrying players in the EPL..
Cunha’s ability to dribble past players with ease is also remarkably good and has been seen in different games this season.
Fouls Won
Benjamin Sesko – 4 or 0.4 per 90
Matheus Cunha – 37 or 2.1 per 90
Bryan Mbeumo – 22 or 1.1 per 90
Fouls won are an important attacking and tactical metric in modern football because they measure a player’s ability to draw contact, relieve pressure, and earn valuable set-piece opportunities.
In terms of fouls won, Benjamin Sesko has 4 in total or 0.4 per 90, Matheus Cunha has 37 or 2.1 per 90, and Bryan Mbeumo has 22 or 1.1 per 90.
Winner: Matheus Cunha
Fouls Committed
Benjamin Sesko – 13 or 1.1 per 90
Matheus Cunha – 12 or 0.7 per 90
Bryan Mbeumo – 15 or 0.8 per 90
Fouls committed are an important discipline metric in modern football because they measure aggression, pressing intensity, and defensive timing.
In terms of fouls committed, Benjamin Sesko has 13 in total or 1.1 per 90, Matheus Cunha has 12 or 0.7 per 90, and Bryan Mbeumo has 15 or 0.8 per 90.
Winner for discipline: Matheus Cunha
Ground Duels Contested
Benjamin Sesko – 66 or 5.4 per 90
Matheus Cunha – 192 or 10.6 per 90
Bryan Mbeumo – 127 or 6.4 per 90
Ground duels contested are a key physical and competitive metric in modern football because they measure how often a player engages in one-v-one battles on the pitch.
In terms of ground duels contested, Benjamin Sesko has 66 in total or 5.4 per 90, Matheus Cunha has 192 or 10.6 per 90, and Bryan Mbeumo has 127 or 6.4 per 90.
Winner: Matheus Cunha
Ground Duels Won
Benjamin Sesko – 15 or 1.3 per 90
Matheus Cunha – 93 or 5.2 per 90
Bryan Mbeumo – 51 or 2.6 per 90
Ground duels won are a crucial metric in modern football because they measure a player’s effectiveness and strength in one-v-one battles on the pitch.
In terms of ground duels won, Benjamin Sesko has 15 in total or 1.3 per 90, Matheus Cunha has 93 or 5.2 per 90, and Bryan Mbeumo has 51 or 2.6 per 90.
Ground Duel Success %
Benjamin Sesko – 22.73%
Matheus Cunha – 48.44%
Bryan Mbeumo – 40.16%
Ground duel success percentage is an important efficiency metric in modern football because it measures how often a player wins their one-v-one battles on the ground.
Benjamin Sesko records 22.73%, Matheus Cunha posts 48.44%, and Bryan Mbeumo registers 40.16%.
Winner: Matheus Cunha
Ball Recoveries
Benjamin Sesko – 24 or 2 per 90
Matheus Cunha – 81 or 4.5 per 90
Bryan Mbeumo – 68 or 3.4 per 90
Ball recoveries are crucial in football because they show a player’s ability to regain possession, disrupt the opposition’s play, and help the team transition quickly from defense to attack.
In this Manchester United 2025/26 Premier League comparison, Benjamin Sesko has 24 ball recoveries in total or 2 per 90, Matheus Cunha has 81 or 4.5 per 90, and Bryan Mbeumo has 68 or 3.4 per 90.
Winner: Matheus Cunha
Possession Lost
Benjamin Sesko – 143 or 11.7 per 90
Matheus Cunha – 268 or 14.8 per 90
Bryan Mbeumo – 298 or 14.9 per 90
Possession lost is a key metric in football as it highlights how often a player gives the ball away, affecting team control, transitions, and overall attacking rhythm.
In this Manchester United 2025/26 Premier League comparison, Benjamin Sesko has lost possession 143 times in total or 11.7 per 90, Matheus Cunha has lost it 268 times or 14.8 per 90, and Bryan Mbeumo has lost it 298 times or 14.9 per 90.
Winner for ball retention: Benjamin Sesko
Times Tackled
Benjamin Sesko – 40 or 3.3 per 90
Matheus Cunha – 71 or 4 per 90
Bryan Mbeumo – 51 or 2.6 per 90
Times tackled is an important stat in football because it shows how often a player is dispossessed by opponents, highlighting pressure faced, defensive attention, and involvement in duels.
In this Manchester United 2025/26 Premier League comparison, Benjamin Sesko has been tackled 40 times in total or 3.3 per 90, Matheus Cunha has been tackled 71 times or 4 per 90, and Bryan Mbeumo has been tackled 51 times or 2.6 per 90.
Winner: Benjamin Sesko
Conclusion
After a deep dive into Manchester United’s 2025/26 attacking signings, the case is compelling: Benjamin Sesko should play striker for Man United.
His ability to convert high-quality chances, dominate in aerial battles, and consistently threaten opposition defenses makes him the ideal number 9.
Meanwhile, Bryan Mbeumo’s creativity, crossing, and chance-creation metrics highlight that he is better suited as a winger, providing width and service to complement Sesko’s central role. Together, Sesko and Mbeumo offer the perfect balance of finishing and creativity, giving Manchester United a more dynamic and potent attack.
Deploying Sesko as the main striker not only maximizes his strengths but also unlocks the full potential of United’s forward line — a tactical alignment that could define their 2025/26 season.
Sesko certainly did not enjoy a positive start at Manchester United..
But some other football fans can see why Sesko is top-tier talent in the EPL. And we agree with this fan who called him “one of the top 3 center forwards in the world.”
In addition, statistics show that Matheus Cuhna can play as a number 10 – most probably when Bruno Fernandes, who is the first choice for this position – is unavailable when the head coach wants to make some rotations in the team.
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