'Man up' - Le Tissier hits out at 'mentally fragile' Man United star after recent conduct
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Credit: Hasan Karim - Breaking Media
Edward Bazeley
Sun 31 August 2025 20:49, UK
Benjamin Sesko has proven to be mentally fragile since joining Manchester United from RB Leipzig this summer.
That’s according to ex-Southampton and England forward Matt Le Tissier, who exclusively spoke to Football Insider.
Amid a busy summer transfer window for Ruben Amorim, Sesko joined Man United from Leipzig in a move worth £74million.
However, the striker is yet to make a Premier League start for the Red Devils, and struggled when the North West club were beaten by Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup.
Credit: Manh Tung – Breaking Media
This article contains exclusive comment from former Southampton and England striker Matt Le Tissier.
When Man United lost to League Two Grimsby via spot-kicks on Wednesday, 27 August, Sesko was the 10th penalty taker.
The 22-year-old subsequently struggled to make an impact off the bench when Amorim’s side beat Burnley 3-2 in the Premier League on Saturday, 30 August.
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Speaking exclusively to Football Insider about Sesko’s start to life at Man United, Le Tissier said: “Interesting developments at Manchester United with Benjamin Sesko.
“Taking the 10th penalty in a penalty shootout is not something that you would expect from a man who cost that much money and you can say that he’s low on confidence.
“But that for me is being a little bit mentally fragile.
“Spending all that money on somebody who isn’t prepared to stand up and take a penalty in a crucial cup tie which could decide the manager’s future.
“He does that, 10th penalty taker, and then gets left out of the side against Burnley as well, coming on late and not really making much of an impact.
“How much fault lies at the manager’s hands?
I’m not sure that there is too much fault in Amorim’s mind, because I think Sesko has got to man up.
“He really has to take some responsibility on his shoulders.
He’s been brought for a lot of money, and you’ve really got to step up to the plate, especially at a club like Manchester United, where there is no hiding.”
Football Insider verdict
Amid Man United’s largely poor start to the Premier League season, Amorim is an increasingly frustrated figure at Old Trafford, as he vies to improve the Red Devils.
Man United’s last three resultsAll competitions 2025/26Fulham (A)1-1 DGrimsby (A)2-2 D, Grimsby won 12-11 on penaltiesBurnley (H)3-2 WMan United are in poor form
While Amorim’s squad failed to adjust to his methods last season, the former Sporting boss has been able to sign his own players this summer.
Therefore, if the marquee striker signing in Sesko fails to turn his form around, Man United will have to make a difficult decision regarding Amorim’s future.
The Red Devils have already significantly reduced their chances of winning silverware this season by being beaten by Grimsby Town in the second round of the Carabao Cup.
After scoring 21 goals in all competitions for Leipzig last season, Sesko showed that he could be the right man to help guide Man United back to the upper echelons of the Premier League table.
However, the 22-year-old’s early performances in the North West have left a lot to be desired.