Berbatov Questions Sesko's Readiness After Costly Cameo
Former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov has openly questioned whether summer signing Benjamin Sesko was prepared to make an impact during United's dramatic 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday. The Bulgarian legend expressed sympathy for the young forward but suggested his late cameo appearance revealed a player lacking sharpness.
Dramatic Late Equaliser Saves United
The match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium saw Bryan Mbeumo give United the lead in the first half, but the home side appeared destined for victory after late goals from Mathys Tel and Richarlison put them ahead. However, Matthijs de Ligt's header in the sixth minute of injury time salvaged a precious point for Ruben Amorim's side.
The drama unfolded as Sesko was introduced as a 58th-minute substitute and was presented with a golden opportunity to restore United's lead after being played through on goal by Matheus Cunha. The £74 million summer signing seemed certain to score, but a spectacular last-ditch challenge from Micky van de Ven denied the Slovenian international a clear shot at goal.
Injury Compounds Frustrating Afternoon
The situation worsened for Sesko when he was forced off with an injury in the closing stages, leaving United to finish the match with ten men after all five substitutions had been used. This compounded a difficult afternoon for the young striker, prompting serious analysis from former professionals.
'I want to be supportive, I sympathise with his situation,' Berbatov told Premier League Productions. 'Yes, he needed to do better, maybe take the ball more to his left foot to eliminate the defender, but we cannot take away the tackle from Mickey van de Ven as well - great, great tackle.'
'Maybe that lack of confidence, playing minutes, it affects a player,' Berbatov continued. 'Then when you get injured out of it, it shows maybe you are not ready to step into the game at full speed.'
Former Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe echoed Berbatov's concerns, emphasising the critical importance of a striker's first touch in such situations. 'I said before the game, for a centre forward... when you're rested or dropped, whatever it is, you're not in the team and you're disappointed, but make sure you're ready to come on,' Defoe stated.
'I'm not saying it was an easy chance because it was a great tackle, but at the same time, when you go through it's conviction. The first touch always makes the goal - if you take the ball away from the defender then you can go and finish. When he watches it back he'll be disappointed, he didn't actually have a shot at goal and he ends up getting injured but that's why you have to be ready to come on and make an impact.'
The analysis from both former strikers highlights the immense pressure on big-money signings at top clubs and raises questions about Sesko's integration into the Manchester United squad following his high-profile move.
