The weight of a £74 million price tag hangs heavy on the shoulders of Benjamin Sesko, and according to former Manchester United stalwart Gary Neville, the young striker hasn’t yet begun to justify the investment. Following a 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest, Neville delivered a blunt assessment, suggesting Sesko’s early performances at Old Trafford have been underwhelming.
Neville didn’t mince words, describing Sesko’s play as “awkward” and noticeably behind the adaptation curve of other recent United acquisitions. The scrutiny comes as the club embarked on an ambitious rebuild, initially targeting Viktor Gyökeres before ultimately securing Sesko from RB Leipzig.
Despite the initial excitement surrounding his arrival, Sesko has found the transition to the relentless pace of the Premier League a significant challenge. Through eleven appearances this season, he’s managed to find the net only twice, a return that falls short of expectations for a player of his supposed potential.
“I’m no further forward with him,” Neville stated, his analysis characteristically direct. He contrasted Sesko’s struggles with the more immediate impact made by fellow new signings, highlighting a clear disparity in performance and integration.
Sesko earned consecutive starts, including the match against Nottingham Forest, after providing an assist in a prior victory. However, he appeared isolated during the game, failing to capitalize on crucial opportunities and leaving a noticeable void in United’s attack.
Despite the growing concerns, manager Ruben Amorim remains steadfast in his belief that Sesko will flourish once fully acclimated to the demands of English football. The coaching staff point to his impressive goal-scoring record in previous leagues as evidence of his inherent ability.
However, patience is wearing thin. With the team’s attacking output under intense scrutiny and results proving inconsistent, the United faithful are understandably eager to witness a more substantial contribution from their expensive new forward.
Sesko’s adaptation is undeniably a process, and Neville’s critique, while pointed, echoes a growing sentiment among supporters. They anticipated a more immediate return on investment from a player touted as one of Europe’s brightest young talents.
The pressure is mounting on the young striker to deliver, and the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether he can silence the doubters and begin to live up to the immense expectations placed upon him.
