Amorim Addresses Sesko’s Struggles at Manchester United

MANCHESTER, England — Ruben Amorim has acknowledged that Benjamin Sesko has faced challenges since his summer transfer to Manchester United, responding to recent criticism from former defender Gary Neville.

Since his £73.7 million ($97 million) move from RB Leipzig, Sesko has managed to score only two goals in 11 appearances. After a disappointing performance in the 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest, where the 22-year-old had just 21 touches throughout the match, Neville remarked that he “wants to see more” from the Slovenian striker, describing him as “awkward.”

In light of these comments, Amorim admitted that Sesko has indeed struggled, but he remains optimistic about the young striker’s future in the Premier League.

“Of course, nobody likes to hear such comments, but he has struggled a little bit, and that is a fact,” Amorim stated. “So let’s embrace that. It’s not personal; it’s just an opinion that can change in a matter of weeks. What is true today could be viewed differently in three weeks. It’s tough to hear, but we will support him and protect Ben because he works diligently, and we believe he will succeed.”

Sesko was highly regarded as one of Europe’s top young strikers during his time at RB Leipzig, where he netted 39 goals in 87 appearances over two seasons. His impressive performance drew interest from clubs such as Arsenal and Newcastle before he ultimately chose to join Manchester United.

Amorim highlighted that Sesko could not have chosen a more challenging club to represent, given the immense scrutiny associated with United. He urged Sesko to recognize that adjusting to a new team and environment takes time.

“I’m relaxed about the situation; he is not,” Amorim explained. “I understand how football operates, and it’s normal to encounter struggles. He is inexperienced here, and the pressure of being hailed as the next big talent can be overwhelming. At a club like Manchester United, if you don’t perform consistently, you will inevitably face criticism from club legends, pundits, and the media—and sometimes they are justified.

“Understanding that criticism is part of the process while maintaining confidence is particularly challenging for a young player. He is going to be our long-term striker. He will experience ups and downs, which is perfectly normal in football.”