Benjamin Sesko’s previous stance on his preferred position in a penalty shoot-out has emerged after he was Manchester United’s 10th taker in the shoot-out.
The £74 million striker earned his first start for the Red Devils in a Carabao Cup second round match against League Two team Grimsby Town, following two substitute appearances against Arsenal and Fulham.
The Slovenian wanted to start his United career off right, but Tyrell Warren and Charles Vernam’s goals put the Red Devils behind 2-0 in the first half.
At halftime, Bruno Fernandes, Matthijs de Ligt, and Bryan Mbeumo were substituted by Ruben Amorim. Mbeumo cut the deficit before Harry Maguire tied the score and imposed penalties.
After 26 spot-kicks were awarded, Grimsby won the match thanks to Mbeumo’s second attempt hitting the crossbar after he had previously scored his first.
Another recent hire Christy Pym made the correct judgment and made the save after Matheus Cunha missed the chance to advance United to the third round.
Benjamin Sesko’s penalty approach revealed
Sesko did convert from 12 yards out, but United’s No. 9, who has converted all 11 of his career penalties, was their tenth taker, and the only player on the original list to come after him was goalkeeper Andre Onana, leaving supporters perplexed.
Gabby Agbonlahor, a former striker for Aston Villa, called Sesko a “coward” for not stepping up, adding to the curiosity around his low position in the order.
Although Sesko’s technique to a shootout was demonstrated in an earlier interview, no formal explanation has been provided.
When offered to choose between taking the final penalty and not taking one at all, the former RB Leipzig player said, “The last penalty, take the responsibility,” in a video that has gone viral on social media.
According to statistics gathered by LiveScore, Sesko led the line for the first time right away but found it difficult to participate in the action, managing a meager pass success rate of 63.6% and losing possession ten times.
The 22-year-old had just 11 passes and only two shots on goal, both of which Pym saved. He completed seven of those passes.
Sesko was upset at the top and was not blessed with service after three of his attempts were blocked.
When Sesko and United play Burnley at Old Trafford on Saturday, they will be looking to wrap up their season.
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