Elvis Basanovic, the agent of Benjamin Šeško, has publicly rejected the notion that the Slovenia forward is merely a “super sub,” arguing that his client should be recognised as a “super striker.” Since Michael Carrick’s appointment, Šeško has scored five goals in nine games, with four of those strikes coming after he entered from the bench.

“If you ask me about this name, I don’t like it,” Basanovic told Slovenian broadcaster Arena Sport. “I like ‘super striker’ much more. I think Benjamin is a super striker.

“He has started 13 games this year, coming off the bench in 13 games. He scored half of his goals when he started the game and half when he came off the bench.

“We can see that he is a complete striker and Benjamin is someone who deserves the name ‘super striker.’”

The underlying numbers underline the contrast in Šeško’s output when starting and when used as a substitute (stats via UnderStat). As a starter this season he has made 13 appearances, played 1,068 minutes and scored five goals, producing an xG of 7.46 from 39 shots (xG per shot 0.191). From the bench he has also had 13 appearances but 253 minutes, scoring four goals from an xG of 2.54 and 14 shots (xG per shot 0.181). His minutes per goal read 214 when starting and 63 as a substitute; assists and chances created are split 1 and 5 when starting, and 0 and 3 from the bench.

There are tactical reasons for the disparity. As a substitute Šeško benefits from tired defenders and from the workload created by the fleet-footed Bryan Mbeumo, who has been utilised as United’s first-choice centre forward under Carrick thus far. The numbers also suggest that some of this output is ahead of expectation: four substitute goals from an xG of 2.54 and a 29% shot conversion rate after coming off the bench are unlikely to be sustained over a long period.

Basanovic’s push for more starts reflects traditional rewards for consistent selection, including the financial incentive of a starting bonus. The modern five-substitute era may force players and agents to adapt expectations. For now, Šeško has shown a willingness to accept the substitute role to make an impact.

Manchester United forwards Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Šeško have withdrawn from national team squads for Cameroon and Slovenia this month because of fitness concerns. Both players will miss their nations’ upcoming fixtures and remain with United as the club manages their recovery ahead of the season’s final run.

Šeško has been carrying an issue while playing for United and his withdrawal should “ensure that he fully recovers from an issue that United have been carefully managing throughout recent weeks.” Slovenia only have friendlies scheduled rather than World Cup qualifiers, a factor that, along with the fact that both Cameroon and Slovenia will miss the World Cup, likely made the decision easier for all parties.

Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Šeško have each scored 10 goals for United this season, with nine apiece in the Premier League. Mbeumo began the campaign in better form following his move from Brentford but has not added to his tally in the last six weeks. Šeško experienced a slower adaptation to life in a new league and country, yet has found form more recently, scoring eight of his goals in 2026 alone.

There appears to be nothing serious about either player not reporting for their national teams. Fellow United player Noussair Mazraoui will report for Morocco after illness briefly put his involvement in doubt. Morocco continue World Cup preparations with friendlies against Ecuador and Paraguay.

Maintaining the fitness of Mbeumo and Šeško for the final stretch after the international break is important to Manchester United’s prospects. Dropping points against Bournemouth could have been a more damaging setback for Michael Carrick’s Red Devils in their pursuit of Champions League qualification. United remain third in the Premier League table, with fourth-place Aston Villa closing to a single point. Defeats for Chelsea and Liverpool over the weekend increased United’s advantage over those rivals.

With five English teams progressing to quarterfinals across the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League last week, England now looks likely to secure a fifth Champions League berth. United hold a seven-point cushion over sixth-place Chelsea with seven games remaining.

Manchester United’s recruitment staff are reported to have held talks with representatives of Bruno Guimarães, with a fee of $80.9 million (£60.7 million, €70 million) cited by Brazilian outlet UOL Esporte. The same report describes the 28-year-old as United’s “main target” for the coming summer and notes he remains under contract until 2028.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe reacted angrily to the links, calling the speculation “For me it’s a nonsense story.” He added context about the player’s situation: “Bruno’s our captain, he’s fully committed. He’s injured at the moment, his only focus is coming back to fitness.

“For me, it is not the time to think about it. In the summer, you can understand those stories a little bit more because the transfer window is open. To say our captain is in discussions with another club is totally disrespectful to Bruno more than anything else. He is totally committed here.”

Fabrizio Romano has underlined that there remains a “long way to go” before any move could materialise and warned that “Newcastle will not make life easy.” The reported $80.9m figure is lower than some past valuations for a midfielder who will turn 29 next season.

United are expected to need midfield reinforcements this summer. Casemiro is identified as a player to replace, while the club may also seek a midfielder to provide greater long-term assurance than Manuel Ugarte. The window could therefore yield two notable additions.

If Guimarães proves unavailable, United are said to have alternatives. Sandro Tonali, a Newcastle teammate, is mentioned as an option whose agent has been less discreet about ambitions, although he would likely cost more than $80.9m. Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson is another name linked, with Manchester City reported by BBC Sport as “clear frontrunners” for that player.

United have reportedly set aside a budget of $106.7 million (£80 million) for a marquee midfielder to partner Kobbie Mainoo, who is thought to be close to agreeing new terms at Old Trafford.