Benjamin Sesko has endured some hiccups in his debut campaign at Manchester United, but the Slovenian has also impressed many within the club
Manchester United’s coaching staff reportedly view Benjamin Sesko as a significant improvement on Rasmus Hojlund.
After his £74million transfer from RB Leipzig, the 22-year-old had a slow start at Old Trafford. The Slovenian was initially limited to brief appearances from the bench in his first three Premier League matches and struggled to make his mark.
However, he scored in United’s 3-1 defeat to Brentford and netted again in the 2-0 home win against Sunderland just before the international break. While Sesko was adjusting to his new surroundings, Hojlund was making an immediate impact on loan at Napoli, scoring four goals in his first six matches, including a double in the Serie A winners’ 2-1 home victory over Sporting Lisbon.
Despite the Dane’s commendable performances in Italy, many of Amorim’s backroom team are convinced Sesko is a superior player. According to The Sun, United’s staff have been emphasising how much of an ‘upgrade’ the former Leipzig man is compared to Hojlund.
While the Dane is currently leading in terms of goals, Ruben Amorim and his coaches were concerned about his off-the-ball work. However, they are reportedly pleased with Sesko’s performance in this area.
It’s also reported Sesko’s awareness and distribution have earned him praise from the United staff. In his final season in the Bundesliga, he contributed 13 goals and five assists, while also scoring four goals in eight Champions League appearances.
Hojlund, meanwhile, has contributed 10 goals and four assists, with nine of his goal contributions coming in their Europa League campaign. The former Atalanta forward initially hoped to fight for his place at United and believed he could persuade Amorim to start him.
However, when it became apparent the club was not willing to give him further opportunities, he secured a move to Naples, where he is now under the guidance of Antonio Conte. Last summer, United legend Paul Scholes suggested the club should have retained Hojlund in their squad.
The ex-midfielder said: “I’d keep Hojlund. I know he’s not been great but he’s a 22-year-old kid who has been asked to play centre-forward for Manchester United on his own for the last two years.
“He’s had to play every week. He’s the only one there. He’s a 22-year-old kid. With the way they play, Man United should have at least three top centre-forwards, and I’d bring him into that.
“He’s struggled like mad of late, especially, but he’s not got the chance to sit down and watch. If a striker is not doing well, no confidence, the manager sits you down and says, ‘Have a look, get a bit of hunger back, a bit of feeling back for the game.’ We all know he has got centre-forward qualities, we’ve seen it.”
Despite the United coaching staff’s views on Sesko, Amorim chose not to start him against Liverpool. Instead, the Portuguese manager fielded summer signings Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha in a front three, with Mason Mount as the third forward.
It paid off as Mbeumo managed to outmanoeuvre Liverpool’s defence and score, while Cunha also showcased his skills in linking play. Sesko was brought on as a substitute and had a one-on-one opportunity thwarted by a remarkable last-minute tackle from Ibrahima Konate.
Sesko could have the opportunity to increase his season’s goal tally of two in the Premier League when United face Brighton on Saturday evening.
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