Amorim Acknowledges Challenges Faced by Sesko at Manchester United

MANCHESTER, England — Ruben Amorim has acknowledged that Benjamin Sesko has encountered challenges since his summer transfer to Manchester United, particularly in light of criticism from former defender Gary Neville.

Since his £73.7 million ($97 million) move from RB Leipzig, Sesko has netted two goals in 11 appearances. After a disappointing performance in the recent 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest, where the 22-year-old recorded only 21 touches in 90 minutes, Neville expressed his desire to see more from the Slovenian striker, describing him as “awkward.”

In response to these comments, Amorim conceded that Sesko has indeed struggled during this transition. However, as United prepares for their upcoming match against Tottenham, he remains optimistic about the young forward’s ability to thrive in the Premier League.

“Of course, nobody likes to hear that, but he has struggled a little bit, and that is a fact,” Amorim stated. “We need to embrace this. It’s not personal; it’s simply an opinion that can change in a few weeks. What is seen as true today may not hold in the near future. It can be difficult to accept.

“We are committed to supporting him and protecting Ben because he is working incredibly hard, and we believe he will succeed. He will succeed.”

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

Amorim emphasized that Sesko could not have selected a more challenging club to represent, given the relentless scrutiny faced by United. He encouraged Sesko to recognize that adapting to a new team and country will take time.

“I am at ease regarding the situation; he is not,” Amorim remarked. “I understand the nature of football, and it is typical for players to face obstacles. He lacks experience in this environment, and when everyone lauds your talent, it can be overwhelming, especially at such a demanding club.

“If you do not perform consistently, you will receive criticism from club legends, pundits, and the media, and sometimes they are justified. It is essential for a young player to grasp this reality while maintaining their confidence, which can be particularly challenging.

“He is poised to be our long-term striker. He will encounter struggles and setbacks along the way, and that is a normal part of a football career.”