Former Manager Questions £74m Manchester United Signing
Former Premier League manager Tim Sherwood has delivered a scathing assessment of Manchester United's summer signing Benjamin Sesko, suggesting the £74m striker should be "nowhere near" the first team at Old Trafford. The criticism comes despite Sesko showing recent signs of improvement in his debut Premier League season.
Struggles to Justify Record Transfer Fee
The 22-year-old Slovenian international has managed just five goals in all competitions since his high-profile move to Manchester United, failing to live up to the excitement that surrounded his arrival. Sherwood, speaking after United's recent 2-2 draw with Burnley, bluntly stated that Sesko was "not good enough" for the Red Devils.
Ironically, the Burnley match represented Sesko's best performance to date, with the young forward scoring two of his four Premier League goals in that single game. He followed this with another goal in United's FA Cup defeat to Brighton, suggesting some momentum was building.
Confidence Blow After Derby Omission
However, Sherwood believes any growing confidence took a significant hit when caretaker manager Michael Carrick left Sesko as an unused substitute during Saturday's derby victory over Manchester City. The former Tottenham manager admitted he understood Carrick's decision, stating: "I probably wouldn't play him either, you know, from what I've seen so far."
Sherwood elaborated on his position, acknowledging the challenges of adapting to a new league while maintaining his critical stance: "Listen, I've watched Benjamin and I know how difficult it is coming into a new league. You've got to settle and he's still developing as a player. But I can only go on what I've seen so far and what I've seen so far is I think he's struggled, there's room for improvement."
Part of Broader Manchester United Problem
The criticism extends beyond Sesko alone, with Sherwood insisting the striker is "not alone" in failing to meet Manchester United's historical standards. When asked where to begin with United's current squad issues, Sherwood responded: "Where do I start on that? It's probably easier to say who I am sure about at this point. I mean, someone just asked me about Sesko, but I would say that about so many of them. There's so many Manchester United players who should be nowhere near."
Sherwood contrasted current players with United's legendary strikers of the past, mentioning: "I think about Robin van Persie and Carlos Tevez and Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Wayne Rooney and then Sesko. You know, that's where I'm coming from. They had Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole, I could carry on. It's incredible, there was no respite."
Statistical Performance Analysis
Sesko's Premier League statistics this season reveal the extent of his adaptation challenges:
- Appearances: 17 (6 as substitute)
- Goals: 4
- Assists: 1
- Expected Goals (xG): 4.94
- Shots on target: 17
- Dribbles completed: 21 (24% success rate)
- Duels won: 57
- Aerial duels won: 44
- Pass completion: 208 passes (67% accuracy)
Sherwood concluded with a reflection on how United's transfer strategy has changed: "I am guilty of living in the past regarding the United strikers but they used to sign the best one in the Premier League. Unfortunately for United that doesn't happen anymore." The comments come as United prepare for a crucial clash against Premier League leaders Arsenal this weekend, with questions remaining about Sesko's role in the team's future plans.
