Amid their contrasting fortunes, Hugo Ekitike at Liverpool vs Benjamin Sesko at Manchester United shows how differently the two Bundesliga strikers have started life in the Premier League.
While Liverpool have acquired Hugo Ekitike from Bayer Leverkusen, Manchester United have secured the services of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig.
Ekitike and Sesko scored 22 and 21 goals, respectively, last season in the Bundesliga for their respective clubs.
However, their performances for their new clubs at the beginning of the current season show a great contrast, just like the fortunes of the clubs. While Ekitike has hit the ground running for Liverpool, Sesko is finding it tough at United.
Hugo Ekitike Has Been Shining for Liverpool
Ekitike has scored three goals and had an assist in three matches for the Reds so far this season. He has been a revelation in the position of a No. 9, and his ability to move well and score with neatly-placed shots from the edge of the opposition penalty box is helping the Reds a great deal.
Irrespective of whether Liverpool get Alexander Isak or not, Ekitike’s form means that they will not have to worry too much up front this season, if the Frenchman remains fit.
Ekitike forms a very potent front-three alongside Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo, and is thriving on the healthy competition in the team of the English champions. Both Salah and Gakpo have opened their accounts in terms of scoring goals this season already.
However, Florian Wirtz, Liverpool’s record signing, has been below par so far.
It is pretty evident that Arne Slot demands high performance from his new players as well and none can take their place for granted in the playing XI. There is no room for complacency at Liverpool, and last season’s title triumph is already a pleasant, but distant, memory.
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Who’s Losing the Hugo Ekitike at Liverpool vs Benjamin Sesko at Manchester United Debate?
Benjamin Sesko Is Yet To Score a Goal for Manchester United. Admittedly, he has played in only three matches so far, but his performance has not inspired much confidence either. Sesko did not start in either of the two Premier League matches, but did precious little after coming in as a substitute.
The debate around Hugo Ekitike at Liverpool vs Benjamin Sesko at Manchester United reflects more than just form. It captures how one signing can immediately transform a team while another still searches for his place.
United have lost two of their three matches this season, including a shock defeat on penalties to fourth-division side Grimsby Town.
Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, the other two new signings in the Red Devils’ front-three, have performed reasonably well, but only Mbeumo has managed to score a goal so far.
United scored against Fulham through an own goal, meaning that Mbeumo and Harry Maguire are the only two players in their squad who have been able to find the back of the net this season so far.
The difference is quite obvious and there for everyone to see. What is concerning for the Manchester United supporters is that it might remain so or might still widen in the foreseeable future.
One wonders for how long those two clubs will continue to be called arch-rivals if their performance graphs remain so contrasting. These are tough times indeed for Manchester United supporters.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Every Second Media
Recording Date: 27.08.2025