Amorim Urges Sesko to Ignore Critics Amidst Manchester United Struggles

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has publicly defended under-fire striker Benjamin Sesko, urging the £73.7m signing to disregard criticism from club legends and pundits as he adapts to the Premier League. Sesko, who has scored just two goals in his first 11 appearances for the club, has faced scrutiny following his performance in last weekend's match against Nottingham Forest.

Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville labelled Sesko "miles off it" compared to fellow new arrivals, a sentiment Amorim acknowledges holds some truth. However, the United boss emphasized the context of Sesko's transition from the Bundesliga and the pressures of playing for a club of United's stature.

Adapting to the Premier League: A Steep Learning Curve

"I'm relaxed," Amorim stated. "[But] he's not relaxed. I understand how things are in football and he's going to struggle. That is normal. He has no experience here." He highlighted the initial hype surrounding Sesko's arrival and the subsequent pressure to perform consistently. "Then you come to one club that is the hardest club. If you don't perform every week, you are going to hear a lot of things... and sometimes they are right."

Amorim stressed that criticism, while difficult to hear, should not be taken personally. "It's an opinion that is going to change in three weeks. Everything that is true today, in three weeks, could be a lie."

Behind the Scenes: Sesko's Dedication

Sources within Manchester United indicate that Sesko is dedicating significant time to improving his performance, often arriving at the Carrington training ground well before scheduled meetings and staying late to work on his game. This dedication reflects his determination to meet the high standards expected at the club.

Expert Analysis: The Importance of Patience

Football analyst and former Premier League midfielder, Jermaine Jenas, commented on Sesko's situation. "It's easy to forget how young he is and the pressure he's under. Moving to a club like Manchester United comes with immense scrutiny. He needs time to adjust to the physicality and tactical nuances of the Premier League. The club needs to be patient and provide him with the necessary support." Jenas further added, "Comparing him to established Premier League players after just a few games is unfair and unrealistic."

United's Confidence Remains

Despite the initial struggles, Manchester United remain confident in their decision to sign Sesko. This confidence is further emphasized by the club's decision to send Rasmus Hojlund on loan to Napoli, despite the Dane's impressive form in Italy.

"Ben is a young kid, a control freak," Amorim explained. "He wants to control everything - and he's not going to control everything." He added, "He has more potential than I was thinking [but] we need to understand how he likes to play and also to put in our ideas. He is going to be our striker for the long term but he's going to have these struggles and these bumps during the ride. That is a normal thing in football."

Amorim's Position Secure Despite Mixed Results

Amorim's comments come ahead of Manchester United's match against Tottenham Hotspur. While United secured a Champions League spot last season, and won the Europa League against Tottenham, the subsequent sacking of Tottenham's coach Ange Postecoglou highlights the volatile nature of football management. Amorim has only managed 12 Premier League victories in his first 38 games in charge.

Despite this, minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has publicly stated that it may take Amorim up to three years to fully implement his style, and the manager retains the full backing of the board.

Historical Context: The Pressure of Strikers at Old Trafford

Manchester United's history is littered with iconic strikers who initially faced challenges before becoming club legends. From Ruud van Nistelrooy adapting to the Premier League's physicality to Wayne Rooney initially struggling to find his best position, the pressure to perform at Old Trafford is immense. Sesko's current situation is not unique, and his ability to overcome these early hurdles will be crucial to his long-term success at the club.

Looking Ahead

"I said already, I'm really lucky to be here," Amorim said, acknowledging the club's support. "It's hard to see a coach that wins a European cup go away and the other guy stays. But sometimes it's maybe [thinking] in the future to win more important titles. That's, I think, what Manchester United is thinking. Let's give time to the coach and see what's happening."