Manchester United will kick off their 2026-27 pre-season campaign against Wrexham in Helsinki tomorrow.
The United faithful will be eager to see how full-time manager Michael Carrick sets up his side, especially with several key players unavailable due to their involvement in the FIFA World Cup.
The club have already released their travelling squad for Finland, but one notable omission has immediately caught everyone’s attention.
United have officially confirmed that Benjamin Sesko remains at Carrington as he continues working on his fitness.
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That leaves Joshua Zirkzee, Chido Obi and Ethan Wheatley as the three recognised strikers included in the 25-man squad travelling to Finland.
Sesko aggravated his shin injury after being shoved into the advertising boards by Ibrahima Konate during United’s clash with Liverpool at Old Trafford in May.
Having already secured UEFA Champions League qualification, United refused to take unnecessary risks by leaving the 23-year-old out against Sunderland, Nottingham Forest and Brighton & Hove Albion.
The coaching staff subsequently designed a tailored rehabilitation programme, and the Slovenian is now gradually building towards a return to full training.
Despite an interrupted campaign, Sesko enjoyed an impressive debut season at Old Trafford, scoring 11 Premier League goals while registering one assist.
He featured in 30 league matches, although he started only 17 because of tactical decisions and recurring fitness concerns.
After a difficult start to life in Manchester, Sesko completely transformed his fortunes during the second half of the campaign.
Crucial goals against West Ham United, Liverpool, Everton and Fulham helped Carrick collect invaluable points during United’s push for Champions League qualification.
The United head coach will be concerned about the fitness of his first-choice striker and will hope he can regain full fitness quickly.
With United expected to play twice a week for much of the campaign, keeping their first-choice striker fully fit could prove absolutely vital.
Stats from Fotmob.com
