'I cannot believe...' - Ruben Amorim blamed for ruining Benjamin Sesko confidence after 'ridiculous' decision
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Credit: Manh Tung - Breaking Media / Imago
Ben Palmer
Sat 30 August 2025 19:07, UK
Ruben Amorim has been criticised for his handling of new Man United signing Benjamin Sesko.
The Slovenian striker was one of the window’s most coveted players as Europe’s top clubs desperately searched for number nine answers.
Having been a target of Arsenal‘s at one stage, Sesko appeared to be on his way to Newcastle at one point, before the Red Devils stole ahead, signing him from RB Leipzig for a fee of £73.7million [BBC Sport].
The 22-year-old made his debut from the bench in Man United’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal, and once again was brought on as a substitute against Fulham.
However, cracks in Sesko‘s confidence appeared when he was the last outfield player to take a penalty against League Two side Grimsby in the Red Devils’ shock Carabao Cup loss.
Credit: Imago
Prior to their match against Burnley on Saturday, 30 August, Sesko was once again named on the substitutes bench.
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Former Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood spoke on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday, voicing his disbelief that the striker had been left out against the relegation favourites.
He said: (30 August, 2.42pm): “I cannot believe Sesko is not playing.
“If you thought this boy was low on confidence the other day, taking the 10th penalty or whatever, they’ve not had to open the dressing room door for him.
Let him score some goals and get some confidence.
“It’s a ridiculous decision in my opinion.”
The issue was exacerbated when, in the 31st minute, Matheus Cunha was taken off only to be replaced with Joshua Zirkzee.
Sesko did eventually come on in the last 10 minutes, but despite United finding a late winner from the penalty spot, the Slovenia international struggled to get involved, only touching the ball eight times.
Football Insider Verdict
United may be the most hostile and toxic club in the world to play for, and Amorim knows that all too well.
The Portuguese manager has spoken on multiple occasions over the last few months about his willingness, and potential desire to walk away from the insane pressure.
For all his faults, Amorim’s decision to slowly introduce Sesko into the fold at United is not one of them.
Credit: Imago
Rasmus Hojlund is on his way to Napoli after being crushed under the immeasurable weight of expectation at Old Trafford, whilst Zirkzee has faded into the background.
Involving Sesko from the bench whilst he finds his feet after joining the club without the buffer of a pre-season to learn the system may cost Amorim his job, but it boosts the slim chances of the Slovenian striker being a success during his time in Manchester.