The Forward Conundrum: Benjamin Šeško vs. Rasmus Højlund
In the summer of 2023, Manchester United invested heavily in a young, raw centre-forward from Atalanta, Rasmus Højlund. Two years later, as the 2025/26 season approaches, the club is once again linked with a tall, explosive striker from the Red Bull universe: Benjamin Šeško of RB Leipzig. The comparison is inevitable, but the context has shifted. This is no longer about potential alone; it is about tactical fit, squad balance, and the evolution of the team’s system.
The Case for Rasmus Højlund
Højlund’s first full season at Old Trafford was a study in extremes. His work rate off the ball was exceptional, pressing defenders and creating space for Bruno Fernandes and the wide forwards. He finished the campaign with a respectable goal tally in the Premier League, but the xG (expected goals) data suggested he was underperforming relative to the chances created. The core issue was service: United’s build-up play often lacked a creative fulcrum in the final third, leaving the Dane isolated.
By the 2024/25 season, under a more structured possession system, Højlund began to adapt. He learned to drift into the left half-space, linking play with the arriving midfielder, but his finishing from outside the six-yard box remained inconsistent. His physicality—standing at 1.91m—is undeniable, but his aerial duel win rate in the Premier League was not elite for a target man.
Key strengths of Højlund in the system:
- Relentless pressing triggers that force turnovers high up the pitch.
- Ability to occupy two centre-backs, freeing space for runners like Mbeumo and Cunha.
- Improved hold-up play, particularly against smaller defenders.
- Conversion rate from high-xG chances remains below league average for a starting striker.
- Tendency to drift wide when the ball is in the final third, leaving the box empty.
The Case for Benjamin Šeško
Šeško, at 21, represents a different archetype. At 1.95m, he is even taller than Højlund but possesses a more fluid, almost languid running style. His breakout season at Leipzig in 2024/25 saw him score a notable number of Bundesliga goals, with efficiency from outside the box—a skill set United’s current striker lacks. He is a dual-threat: a poacher inside the area and a long-range shooter who can punish deep blocks.
The tactical argument for Šeško is rooted in versatility. While Højlund is a pure runner in behind, Šeško can drop deep to receive between the lines, acting as a secondary playmaker. This profile aligns with the desire for a striker who can rotate with the attacking midfielders, not just stretch the defensive line.
Key strengths of Šeško in a potential United setup:
- Superior finishing technique from distance, adding a new dimension to the attack.
- Better link-up play in tight spaces; can combine with Fernandes and Cunha in half-spaces.
- Aerial dominance—his leap and timing are exceptional, winning a high percentage of aerial duels in the Bundesliga.
- Adaptation to the Premier League’s physicality and pace.
- Less developed pressing game than Højlund, which could disrupt the defensive structure.
- Price tag—Leipzig would likely demand a significant fee, raising questions about squad allocation.
Tactical Fit: A Comparative Table
| Attribute | Rasmus Højlund (2024/25) | Benjamin Šeško (2024/25) |
|---|---|---|
| Goals per 90 (all comps) | ~0.48 | ~0.62 |
| xG per 90 | ~0.55 | ~0.51 |
| Shots from outside the box | ~0.8 per game | ~1.6 per game |
| Aerial duel win rate | ~51% | ~67% |
| Pressing actions per 90 | ~22.3 | ~18.1 |
| Progressive passes received | ~4.2 | ~6.1 |
| Market value (estimated) | £55–65 million (hypothetical) | £70–85 million (hypothetical) |
Data is illustrative based on hypothetical performance trends from the 2024/25 season and should not be considered official.
The Tactical Factor
The tactical evolution at United has been methodical. In the 2024/25 season, the team shifted from a pure 4-2-3-1 to a fluid 4-3-3 that often resembled a 4-1-4-1 in possession. The striker in this system must be more than a finisher; they must be a pivot for the midfield runners.
Højlund’s pressing intensity is valuable against top sides that build from the back, but against low-block defences—which United faces frequently in the league—his inability to drop and combine becomes a liability. Šeško’s profile, by contrast, offers a solution: he can play with his back to goal, create space for the wide forwards, and still arrive late in the box.
However, signing Šeško would not necessarily mean selling Højlund. A two-striker rotation could be viable, especially if United qualifies for the Champions League and faces 50+ matches. Højlund could start against high-pressing opponents; Šeško against deep blocks. The question is whether the club can afford both given Financial Fair Play constraints and the need to strengthen other positions.
What the Data Suggests
Looking at the underlying numbers, the gap is narrower than the raw goal tally suggests. Højlund’s xG per 90 is actually higher than Šeško’s, indicating he gets into better positions but finishes less efficiently. This suggests a coaching issue—or a confidence issue—rather than a fundamental talent deficit.
Šeško’s edge comes from his ability to create his own shot. He takes more long-range attempts, and his conversion rate on those is notable. For a United side that often struggles to break down organised defences, having a striker who can score from distance is a tactical weapon Højlund has not provided.
Conclusion: Priority or Luxury?
If Manchester United’s recruitment team is looking for a direct upgrade, Šeško represents a clear step up in finishing versatility and aerial dominance. But the cost—both financial and in terms of squad harmony—is significant. Højlund is still only 22, and his development trajectory under the current system is promising.
For the 2025/26 season, the ideal scenario may be to retain both, using Šeško as a rotational option who can start against specific opponents. But if the club must choose, the data leans towards Šeško as the more complete striker for the evolving system.
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