Man Utd and Arsenal enter the 2025-2026 season with a shared resolve: to significantly bolster their attacking forces after both endured goal-shy campaigns last season.

Last season, Man Utd scored just 44 goals, a club record low in the Premier League. The Old Trafford side failed to score in 15 of their 38 matches and had the second-lowest shot conversion rate in the league (8.33%), only better than relegated Southampton (7.58%).

Benjamin Sesko makes his debut before the friendly match between Man Utd and Fiorentina at Old Trafford, Manchester, UK, 9/8/2025. Photo: Man Utd

Benjamin Sesko makes his debut before the friendly match between Man Utd and Fiorentina at Old Trafford, Manchester, UK, 9/8/2025. Photo: Man Utd

Consequently, manager Ruben Amorim overhauled his attack, spending over 250 million USD to acquire Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko. This trio combined for 48 goals in their respective domestic leagues last season and are expected to revitalize Man Utd's attack.

Sesko, Man Utd's 99 million USD signing, appears poised to displace Rasmus Hojlund in the starting lineup. His imposing physique, pace, and clinical finishing make him a potential world-class center-forward.

One of Sesko's most striking attributes is his versatility in front of goal. Since the start of the 2023-2024 season, he has scored 20 goals with his right foot, 9 with his left, and 10 headers for RB Leipzig.

Sesko's 39 goals for RB Leipzig between 2023 and 2025 showcase the rare versatility of a modern striker. He scored seven goals from runs in behind, seven from headers or finishes following crosses, six from rebounds or close-range finishes, five from passes received inside the box, four from long shots, and four penalties.

The Slovenian forward has also demonstrated individual brilliance, scoring three goals through skillful maneuvers inside the box and two from set pieces. These statistics illustrate that Sesko is not a one-dimensional "killer" but a player capable of scoring in almost any situation—from aerial duels and ground passes to team play and individual brilliance.

Gyokeres wears the number 14 shirt, formerly worn by legend Thierry Henry, at Arsenal. Photo: Arsenal FC

Gyokeres wears the number 14 shirt, formerly worn by legend Thierry Henry, at Arsenal. Photo: Arsenal FC

Arsenal also missed out on the Premier League title due to attacking woes. After scoring 88 and 91 goals in the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 seasons respectively, Mikel Arteta's side saw their goal tally plummet to an alarming 69 in 2024-2025, partly due to long-term injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz.

Arsenal responded by acquiring the prolific Gyokeres, who registered 20 assists and 97 goals for Sporting in the past two seasons. While Gyokeres's finishing may not be as comprehensive as Sesko's, with 79 right-footed goals, 13 left-footed, and 5 headers, the Arsenal newcomer still possesses a diverse scoring repertoire, albeit with certain strengths. Of his 97 goals for Sporting between 2023 and 2025, 27 were penalties, and he proved particularly dangerous on runs or through balls, scoring 24 goals in this manner.

The Swedish striker scored 18 goals from crosses, 11 through individual skill inside the box, and 7 from rebounds or scrambles in the box, showcasing his poaching instincts. Gyokeres also added 5 goals from set pieces, 4 by intercepting back passes, and 1 from outside the box.

How will Sesko and Gyokeres transform Man Utd and Arsenal's play? At Man Utd, Sesko offers a fresh attacking dimension, somewhat similar to Rasmus Hojlund, but with superior aerial ability.

The Slovenian, with his heading prowess, is expected to be the target of more crosses. Last season, the Red Devils scored only four headed goals in the Premier League—the lowest in the league—and none came from a striker. Sesko is expected to address this weakness.

Benjamin Sesko leaps for a header during his first Man Utd training session on August 10th. Photo: Man Utd

Benjamin Sesko leaps for a header during his first Man Utd training session on August 10th. Photo: Man Utd

Bruno Fernandes, who averaged the second-most through balls per 90 minutes last season (0.92), will be Sesko's primary supplier. Additionally, new signing Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford is one of the league's best crossers, with 23 successful crosses from open play. If he can find Sesko in the box, his assist tally is likely to increase.

Meanwhile, Arsenal could see a revolutionary change with Gyokeres. The Swede's pace and powerful skillset will make the Gunners far more dangerous on the counter-attack and increase the tempo of their build-up play.

Viktor Gyokeres celebrates a goal in Arsenal's 3-0 win over Bilbao at the Emirates Stadium, London, UK, 9/8/2025. Photo: Arsenal FC

Viktor Gyokeres celebrates a goal in Arsenal's 3-0 win over Bilbao at the Emirates Stadium, London, UK, 9/8/2025. Photo: Arsenal FC

Last season, Arteta's team was sometimes too slow, often passing the ball from side to side against packed defenses. Now, with Gyokeres, they have a striker who always looks to drive towards goal at every opportunity.

Martin Odegaard, with his accurate through balls, will be the perfect partner for Gyokeres. Combined with Bukayo Saka's creativity on the right wing, Arsenal's attack promises to be more dynamic and dangerous.

Hong Duy (Premier League)