Benjamin Šeško’s early weeks at Manchester United have prompted public advice from a former club striker. The 22-year-old arrived in a big-money summer transfer and required six weeks to open his account for United. He has since scored twice in his last three Premier League starts, but remains under scrutiny as he adapts to a new league and country.

Dimitar Berbatov addressed Šeško’s development during an appearance on Rio Ferdinand Presents, recommending a more forceful approach in live play and in team interactions. “Be confident in yourself. Be arrogant in a way that you demand the ball from your team-mates when you make the run,” he said.

Berbatov underlined the practical purpose of that confidence: to make teammates recognise and respect a striker’s movement. “When you make a good run, if the ball doesn’t come for you, say it or express it in a way that your teammates will understand that, ‘I am here. I’m making the run for you. Respect my run. Not every time but try to see me and believe in what I can do with that run,’” he added.

He was candid about the need for visible emotion at times. “Sometimes be angry. Scream, swear, whatever. [It’s] not personal. Just in a way that ‘I’m here, man. That’s why I’m here. Just give me the ball. Pass to me. I will try to score for you’.”

Berbatov also advised vocal communication beyond the moment of a run. “Halftime, before and after the game, speak. Sometimes I think the players need to be more aggressive and emotional, in a way like, ‘Pass me the damn ball, man!’”

The former United forward drew on his own experience at Old Trafford, noting he was older and more established when he arrived in late summer of 2008. He became United’s record signing at £30.75 million, a mark not surpassed until Juan Mata’s £37.1 million move in January 2014. Berbatov scored 56 times for United in four seasons and won the Premier League Golden Boot in 2010–11.

He concluded with a reminder of the striker’s simple metric of success. “In the end, it comes down to the goals for the strikers. If they don’t score enough goals, people will be on them,” he said, urging Šeško to put himself into the right positions and expect service.

Bruno Fernandes made his 300th appearance for Manchester United in the weekend 4-2 win over Brighton & Hove Albion, becoming only the second Portuguese player for the club to reach that mark after Cristiano Ronaldo. The pair spent 18 months together at Old Trafford following Ronaldo’s return in 2021, and while their on-field relationship provoked debate at times, they remain close off the pitch. “I spoke with Cristiano about the situation, Saudi and everything,” Fernandes recently admitted.

Fernandes chose to stay at United rather than leave and that decision brought an inevitable milestone in 2025–26. He is the 52nd player in club history to reach 300 games, a total he amassed quickly thanks to a strong injury record. At his current rate, the midfielder “will soon top Ronaldo’s haul of 346 United games,” a comparison that has prompted analysis of their respective records.

The statistical picture is mixed. Both players reached 300 appearances, but Fernandes has more starts (284) than Ronaldo had at that point (250). Ronaldo scored 124 goals in his first 300 United matches, 50 of which came from the bench, while Fernandes has 100 goals and 87 assists, giving him 20 more assists than Ronaldo’s 67.

Minutes-based metrics favour Ronaldo. Fernandes averages 255 minutes per goal compared to Ronaldo’s 185.3, and Fernandes records a goal contribution every 136.4 minutes against Ronaldo’s 120.3. Ronaldo’s first 300 appearances included major trophies: three Premier League titles and both domestic cups. Fernandes has also contributed to silverware, lifting the EFL Cup and FA Cup under Erik ten Hag, both victories arriving after Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr at the end of 2022.

Ronaldo’s pathway included extended success at Real Madrid and Juventus between his United spells, and his 300th United appearance came 14 years after his 200th. Fernandes has matched the milestone in a different context: often carrying a team that has not always matched Ronaldo’s collective achievements.

Ruben Amorim has indicated he expects Harry Maguire to be available before Manchester United travel to Nottingham Forest next weekend. Maguire’s absence did not prevent Amorim’s side from recording a third consecutive Premier League victory, and the manager is optimistic the centre back can rejoin the squad as United attempt to extend that run.

“Hopefully, he’s going to join us next week, but we’ll see,” Amorim told MUTV. “I hope to have him next week. It’s a simple thing but you never know. And I don’t like to take risks with players. It’s the wrong thing for Harry and for the teammates that are working.

“I just want to show, every time, everyone is important in this team. We have a very good squad.”

Amorim has settled on a three-man defence in which Maguire has become a regular starter after a difficult period at Old Trafford. The tactical switch is credited with bringing improved performances from the centre back and reinforcing his importance to the team.

Maguire enters the final season of his contract and faces a pivotal moment in his career. He is reported to be keen on signing an extension, but any new deal will be shaped by financial considerations, with the player’s current high salary unlikely to be matched in fresh terms. Maguire is said to be prepared to accept lower wages on a future contract, but negotiations are expected to be delicate and complicated despite a mutual desire to reach agreement.

The defender is one of several players with expiring deals that the club must address. Resurgent midfielder Casemiro is approaching the final six months of his contract, and backup goalkeeper Tom Heaton and fringe left back Tyrell Malacia are also nearing the end of their current terms. The club will need to balance squad stability with financial constraints as talks progress.