Lineker and Shearer Critique Sesko After United’s 3-0 Loss

In a disappointing display, Manchester United suffered a 3-0 defeat against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, with both Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer expressing concerns over Benjamin Sesko‘s performance. The young striker, who joined United for £73.7 million from RB Leipzig this summer, made his first Premier League start but struggled to make an impact throughout the match.

Sesko managed just 20 touches, one shot, and completed 14 passes while winning only 33 percent of his duels before being substituted in the 80th minute. The lack of service from his teammates contributed significantly to his inability to influence the game. Opportunities arose for United to deliver crosses into the box, yet the ball often reverted back to midfield rather than providing Sesko with the chances he needed to score.

Lineker and Shearer’s Insights

During an episode of The Rest Is Football podcast, Shearer shared his thoughts on Sesko’s situation, highlighting the challenges faced by the young forward. “I look at Sesko, because I’ve obviously been in that position… and he had that one shot very early on in the game,” Shearer remarked. He further questioned the team’s approach, suggesting that Sesko might be wondering, “Any danger? Any chance of giving me something here?”

Lineker echoed these sentiments, noting that Sesko was “absolutely starved of any real service.” He recalled a moment when Sesko broke through the offside trap, only to have his shot blocked by the goalkeeper. “He does also look quick for a big guy… his movement, he’s making darting runs,” Lineker observed, adding that it was tough for Sesko to perform without adequate support.

Pressure on the Young Striker

Shearer, who has previously seen Sesko play for Leipzig in the Champions League, expressed doubts about the transfer fee, suggesting that £73.7 million could be a significant burden given the current pressures on Manchester United. “It’s a massive ask for him to go in at a club and be in a team that’s under huge pressure,” he noted. With United struggling to find form, the expectations placed on Sesko may be overwhelming.

Since his arrival, Sesko has yet to score in his first five appearances for United. His performance in the Carabao Cup second round against Grimsby Town also fell short of expectations, further compounding the scrutiny he faces.

The match against City saw Phil Foden score in the 18th minute, followed by a second-half brace from Erling Haaland, sealing a comprehensive victory for the hosts. As Manchester United seeks to regain its footing, the spotlight remains on how the team can better utilize its new players, including Sesko, in the coming matches.

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