Sesko's Manchester United comeback date set! Reason for sudden muscle gain revealed; will return to normal after team training

Manchester United have shared images of forward Benjamin Sesko training on grass last week. Sources indicate the 23-year-old could rejoin full training at the beginning of next month and is certain to be ready for the new campaign. Over his debut season with the Red Devils, Sesko netted 11 goals and registered one assist in 30 Premier League matches.

Sesko missed United's first two pre-season friendlies, but the club stressed he was never scheduled to play in the early exhibition games. The €85 million man already had a shin injury, which worsened after he was knocked into the advertising boards by Konaté during the "Double Red" clash with Liverpool in early May.

Sesko withdrew from summer international duty due to injury, sparking some controversy. The club took a cautious approach, having him stay at Carrington training base for individual fitness work after pre-season began, to avoid any setbacks before the Premier League season.

According to The Sun, Sesko could feature as early as Saturday's match against Atletico Madrid in Sweden, with United traveling to Stockholm on Friday. However, as a precaution, United are more likely to start him in the August 8 match against Paris Saint-Germain. After that game, the team will fly to Dublin, Ireland for a six-day training camp.

Many fans noticed from training photos that Sesko's physique has become significantly more muscular than last season. His United teammate and close friend Diogo Dalot joked: "Sesko's inspiration is Arnold Schwarzenegger! My brother, he's become rock solid."

There are two views on this change in Sesko. The optimistic perspective is that it will improve his physicality in the Premier League and enhance his target man role, similar to Cristiano Ronaldo after 2006. However, others believe the added weight could reduce his agility, as former Red Devils striker Romelu Lukaku experienced a decline in efficiency due to similar reasons.

However, ESPN's Manchester United correspondent Andy Mitten revealed that the reason Sesko looks more muscular is because during his injury he couldn't do much full-body training and mainly focused on upper body exercises, resulting in this effect. Once he returns to normal team training, his physique will slim down again and achieve balance.

British media reports suggest Sesko could become United's number 9 next season, replacing Rasmus Højlund who has permanently transferred to Napoli. However, the club has not yet officially announced a number change, and the Slovenian striker is still listed as number 30 on the official website.

United are also considering signing an experienced striker to support Sesko and ease his goal-scoring burden. However, the Red Devils deny having any contact with Danny Welbeck before Chelsea expressed interest in the Brighton forward. Welbeck scored 14 goals for Brighton last season and has always been open to a return to his former club United. But Chelsea have already moved to sign the 35-year-old veteran, whose contract with Brighton expires next year.

Other forwards currently under Carrick's command include Zirkzee and young talent Chido Obi, neither of whom have a consistent goal-scoring record. The Manchester Evening News believes United may find it difficult to sign Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins, who is priced at £40 million. Loaning a striker or signing a free agent might be the most ideal approach, similar to past cases like Larsson, Ighalo, or Cavani.