The striker position at Manchester United has become a crown of thorns of late, but Ruben Amorim has been told how he can prevent Benjamin Sesko from following in Rasmus Hojlund’s footsteps.
For starters, Benjamin Sesko came to Man Utd as a much more seasoned professional than Rasmus Hojlund was when he arrived from Italy.
Secondly, Sesko has an experienced structure around him of proven goal scorers who can take the pressure off him.
However, the broad point remains the same. He’s a young player and there’s no clear competition for him who can take the spotlight off him when it’s needed.
Benjamin Sesko playing for Manchester United v Arsenal
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Man Utd need to correct systemic issue for Benjamin Sesko
As much as Hojlund regressed during his time at Old Trafford, it’s impossible to deny that he was never put in a position to succeed.
This United team just doesn’t know how to play with a striker by looking for them, or constructing their buildup with them as the linchpin.
Hojlund ghosted through games, and Sesko has felt that too in limited minutes for United this season.
He’s used to that because he plays for Slovenia, who aren’t favourites against many opponents at the international stage.
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Former Slovenian international Miran Burgic has urged United to correct their systemic issue and help Sesko instead of relying completely on him as a “saviour”.
Speaking to Slovenian outlet Zurnal24, Burgic said, “Regarding Sesko’s game at Manchester United, I would add that it is similar there at the moment [to the Slovenia team].
“United is struggling in the game, they are not putting their opponents under pressure, they are not creating many situations for the attackers. It is difficult to come into such an environment, where there has been a negative trend for several years.
“Many good players, not just attackers, have burned out at United in recent years. Sometimes such an atmosphere absorbs you, changes you. It is difficult for a single footballer to turn the ship in a different direction.
“Sesko found himself in the middle of a demanding environment. How he will deal with how susceptible he will be to criticism and external opinions depends on him. He is definitely a top footballer. The price they paid for him says it all.”
Sesko has all the tools
Once United start playing in a more coherent attacking manner with their striker, it is a certainty that Sesko will start firing.
That is because there aren’t many players in world football with the physical tools that he has, something he showed with insane moments for Slovenia in the recent international break.
United just need to provide him service, because he can turn even hopeful balls into opportunities with his physical gifts.
United have seen glimpses of that potential in games so far, and as long as they keep doing the basics right, the raw stats will take care of themselves.