Ruben Amorim Defends Benjamin Sesko Amid Criticism at Manchester United

Ruben Amorim, the head coach of Manchester United, has responded to recent criticisms of striker Benjamin Sesko, confirming that the young player has faced challenges since arriving at the club. United acquired Sesko from RB Salzburg for a fee of €76.5 million (£66.4 million) with an additional €8.5 million (£7.3 million) in potential add-ons during the summer transfer window.

Since his debut against Manchester City in September, the 22-year-old forward has had a mixed start. Although he scored his first goal against Brentford and followed up with another against Sunderland, he has also faced scrutiny. Sesko was benched for a match against Liverpool and struggled in his subsequent appearances, including missing key opportunities in a recent game against Nottingham Forest.

Former United player Gary Neville remarked on Sesko’s performance, stating, “He’s miles off it compared to the other forwards United brought in.” In light of this critique, Amorim expressed understanding of the pressures that come with playing for such a prominent club.

Amorim’s Insights on Sesko’s Development

“Yeah, I’m relaxed. He’s not relaxed,” Amorim said, acknowledging that the transition to a high-pressure environment like Manchester United can be daunting for a young player. He emphasized that it is normal for Sesko to struggle as he adjusts to the expectations of playing at a top club.

Amorim noted, “If you don’t perform every week, you are going to hear a lot of things from club legends, from pundits, from the media, and sometimes they are right.” He highlighted the difficulty young athletes face in maintaining confidence amid criticism, particularly for someone like Sesko, who is described as a “control freak” wanting to manage every aspect of his performance.

The coach reassured fans that he believes in Sesko’s potential, stating, “He has more potential than I was thinking. He’s going to struggle, and we need to understand how he likes to play also.” Amorim reiterated his commitment to supporting Sesko through this challenging period, recognizing that the young forward will continue to face ups and downs during his development.

Looking Ahead: United’s Upcoming Matches

As Manchester United prepares for their upcoming match against Tottenham, Amorim will decide whether to retain Sesko in the starting lineup. This game marks the first meeting between the teams since United’s defeat in the Europa League final earlier this year, which resulted in the dismissal of former Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou.

Reflecting on his own position at United, Amorim stated, “If we see the game, I think we deserve to win. It’s hard to see a coach that wins a European cup to go away.” He expressed gratitude for the support he has received at the club and the importance of allowing time for the coaching staff to implement their strategies.

United will enter the November international break with the potential to accumulate 20 points if they secure a victory against Tottenham. Amorim conveyed confidence in his team’s ability to perform, saying, “Oh, what I think is that we can win any game. If we have these opportunities, let’s make everything to win.”

He acknowledged that the current league standings are tightly contested, stating, “Three weeks can change everything. It changed everything. We had a completely different conversation four weeks ago.” As the team focuses on the next match, Amorim is determined to ensure that his players approach the challenge against Tottenham with the right mindset, aiming for a positive result.

With Amorim’s support and guidance, Sesko’s development at Manchester United will be closely monitored as fans eagerly watch his progress in the weeks to come.