Benjamin Sesko's start to life at Manchester United has received a mixed reception with the £74million signing scoring just two Premier League goals for Ruben Amorim
Gary Neville speaks
Gary Neville was critical of Benjamin Sesko after Manchester United's draw against Nottingham Forest
View 2 Images
Dimitar Berbatov has defended Manchester United's Benjamin Sesko after the striker was on the receiving end of criticism from Gary Neville following last week's Premier League draw against Nottingham Forest.
Sesko was signed by United for £74million in the summer after Ruben Amorim decided to replace Rasmus Hojlund, who returned to Italy on loan with Napoli. The 22-year-old has scored two goals in 10 Premier League games, coming in back-to-back games before the October international break.
However, fellow summer arrivals Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have both been praised for their performances at Old Trafford. Cunha's performances have transformed Amorim's attack, while Mbeumo was crowned Premier League Player of the Month for October.
Last week, United's 2-2 draw at Forest led to Neville suggesting the jury was still out on Sesko, after he failed to make a difference against one of the league's bottom-three sides. "He's miles off it compared to the other forwards United brought in, like Cunha and Mbeumo," he said.
"He looks awkward, his touch was off a few times when balls went over the top. For £80m (£73.7m), yes, he's young and still settling, but you want to see something more."
Berbatov, who was also a big-money arrival for United back in 2008, has warned that too much negativity around Sesko will only hamper the forward's confidence. "Everybody can criticise via social media, on TV, and I don't care how big a man you think you are, that tough criticism, repeated constantly, can get to you," he told Metro.
Benjamin Sesko
Benjamin Sesko has scored two goals for Manchester United since joining from RB Leipzig
View 2 Images
"It can affect your game, it can affect your mood, it can affect your confidence, because we're all human beings. Of course, I can easily criticise strikers, teams, players, coaches, etc. But we need to look for that criticism that is constructive, that is going to give you something extra, that you're going to think about and say, 'Well, wait a minute, he or she has a point'.
"Of course, there are some ex-football players who earn the right, more than others, to criticise, and that's why I think Gary Neville is in the frame to say and express more criticism based on his career at United, what he's achieved, won, and how much time he spent there.
"In my case, I think I try to give my opinion, but a constructive one, and try maybe to see more of the positive side of things, expressing what I expect from the players.
"Sesko has a slow start, but let's hope he's ready to jump and to bring the necessary goals that he's required from the No.9 at United."
Here at The Manchester Evening News, we are dedicated to bringing you the bestManchester United coverage and analysis.
Make sure you don't miss out on the latest United news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clickinghere to subscribe.
You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Clickhere to be sent all the day's biggest stories.
And, finally, if you would rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Manchester is Red podcast. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, includingSpotify and Apple Podcasts, and you can also watch along on YouTube.