Dwight Yorke sets Benjamin Sesko 25-goal challenge as Man Utd striker told target should be ‘written into his contract’

Benjamin Sesko has been handed a clear challenge ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, with Manchester United legend Dwight Yorke insisting the Slovenian striker should be expected to score at least 25 goals if the Red Devils are to re-establish themselves among English football’s elite.

The former Treble winner believes Sesko possesses all the qualities required to thrive in the Premier League and become the prolific No.9 United have been searching for.

Slow start after big-money arrival

Manchester United invested heavily in Sesko during the summer of 2025, agreeing a deal worth up to £74 million (€87m/$99m) to sign the striker from RB Leipzig.

The 23-year-old initially struggled to adapt to life in England, failing to score until his seventh appearance of the season in late September.

By the end of the calendar year, he had managed only two goals, prompting criticism over whether United had once again failed to solve their long-standing striker problem.

However, Sesko’s form improved significantly during the second half of the campaign as he settled into English football.

He eventually finished the season with double figures, producing several impressive performances that hinted at his enormous potential.

Yorke demands 25-goal season

Former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke believes Sesko must now take the next step by becoming one of the Premier League’s most reliable goalscorers.

Speaking to GOAL in association with BOYLE Sports, Yorke insisted the striker should have a 25-goal target built into his contract.

“Benjamin Sesko should be scoring 25 goals this season for Manchester United,” Yorke said.

“That’s what he should be able to deliver. He should have that target written down in his contract.

“You do that, you score those goals, you win, you fly, you get your team closer to where you need to be, and he’s capable of doing that.

“He works his socks off for the team and he’s got all the ingredients and a good presence about himself.”

United need Sesko to lead the line

Manchester United are hoping Sesko can finally become the consistent goalscorer they have lacked in recent years.

Although the Slovenian has surpassed the 20-goal mark twice during his club career, Yorke believes this is the season he must establish himself among Europe’s elite forwards.

If Michael Carrick’s side are to challenge for major honours both domestically and in Europe, Sesko will need to deliver goals on a regular basis rather than in isolated bursts.

Another striker could still arrive

Despite their confidence in Sesko, Manchester United are continuing to monitor the transfer market for additional attacking reinforcements before the window closes.

Competition for places remains a priority as Carrick prepares his squad for a demanding campaign across multiple competitions.

Former United striker Louis Saha recently suggested the ideal addition would be a mobile forward capable of complementing Sesko rather than replacing him.

“I would prefer someone like, I don’t know if I’m saying something crazy, but Kylian Mbappe, or someone that style,” Saha told GOAL.

“Where you have someone who’s a bit more like Olivier Giroud for Kylian Mbappe, and you have someone who can circulate around.

“This type of player, this is where Manchester United have always been dangerous. You have Dwight Yorke, who ran around Andy Cole, someone around Ruud van Nistelrooy, and this always worked.

“Whatever formation, whatever era, this formula works.”

Big season ahead for Sesko

With his first year in English football behind him, Sesko now enters the new campaign carrying increased expectations.

United’s hopes of returning to Premier League title contention may depend heavily on whether the Slovenian can turn his promise into consistent goalscoring form.

If Yorke’s prediction proves accurate and Sesko reaches the 25-goal mark, the £74 million investment could finally begin to look like money well spent.

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