Ruben Amorim Addresses Benjamin Sesko’s Struggles at Manchester United

MANCHESTER, England — Ruben Amorim has acknowledged that Benjamin Sesko has encountered difficulties since his transfer to Manchester United this summer, responding to 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. Following a disappointing performance in the 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest, where the 22-year-old registered only 21 touches in 90 minutes, Neville remarked that he “wants to see more” from the Slovenian, whom he described as “awkward.”

In light of these comments, Amorim conceded that Sesko has indeed faced challenges at United. However, with an upcoming match against Tottenham on Saturday, he remains optimistic about the young striker’s future in the Premier League.

“Of course, nobody likes to hear this, 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 part of the process. I try to explain this to the players. Opinions can change quickly—what is true today might not hold in three weeks. It’s difficult to hear, but we’re committed to helping him succeed. He works incredibly hard, and we believe he will excel here.”

Sesko was highly regarded as one of Europe’s promising young strikers during his tenure at RB Leipzig, where he scored 39 goals in 87 matches over two seasons. His outstanding performance attracted 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 immense scrutiny surrounding United. He encouraged the striker to recognize that adjustment to a new team and country takes time.

“I’m relaxed about the situation; he’s not as relaxed,” Amorim explained. “I understand the pressures of football, and it’s normal for him to struggle. He lacks experience here, and the expectations can be overwhelming when everyone heralds you as the next big talent.

“At a club like this, if you don’t perform consistently, you will face criticism from club legends, pundits, and the media—sometimes, they are justified. It’s crucial for him to comprehend that this is a normal part of the journey while maintaining his confidence. He is our long-term striker, and he will encounter challenges along the way, which is simply a part of the game.”