Manchester United played out a dramatic 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur in London early Saturday afternoon
Benjamin Sesko
Benjamin Sesko left Manchester United short after suffering an injury
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Manchester United grabbed a point at the death in their 2-2 draw against Tottenham on Saturday. Ruben Amorim's side looked to have been stung by a late Richarlison header but Matthijs de Ligt rose from an added-time corner to split the spoils.
Amorim's men opened the scoring after 32 minutes through Bryan Mbeumo and held on until six minutes from time, when Mathys Tel levelled things. Spurs' Richarlison thought he'd won the match but De Ligt had other ideas.
The closing stages of this 2-2 draw were played without Benjamin Sesko. The striker, who arrived this summer from RB Leipzig for £74million, replaced Noussair Mazraoui in the 58th minute but after squandering an opportunity in the 85th, limped off with a leg injury and left United with 10 men for the final moments.
Benjamin Sesko handed home truths
Before the clash against Tottenham, Amorim was asked about Sesko's early tenure as a United player. The Slovenian has scored just twice this season and his head coach admits he has struggled.
His problems are expected to continue after limping out of that draw with a knee injury.
"I'm relaxed. He's not relaxed," said Amorim, before dropping Sesko from the starting XI against Tottenham. "He has no experience here, and then the first impact when everyone says that you are so good, you are the next big thing – and you hear about that with Sesko – and then you come to one club that is the hardest club.
Manchester United head coach / manager Ruben Amorim instructs Benjamin Sesko of Manchester United
Amorim says Sesko has struggled
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"To have the ability to understand that is normal and still maintain your level of confidence is really hard for a young kid, especially for a young kid that is a control freak. He wants to control everything, and he's not going to control everything.
"Of course, nobody likes to hear it, but he struggled a little bit and that is a fact. So let's embrace that. It's not personal, it's not nothing. That is what I try to explain to the players. That is not personal. It's an opinion that is going to change in three weeks."
Bryan Mbeumo appeal made to ex-Chelsea man
Mbeumo continued his fine run of form in north London, opening the scoring with a deft header just after 30 minutes. However, the club could be without him for a stretch of games in late December.
The Cameroonian is due to report for international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations on December 21 and would miss at least two matches. But according to The Sun, United would like to strike a deal with Cameroon in order to allow Mbeumo to play in games against Bournemouth on December 13 and Aston Villa on December 21.
Bryan Mbeumo of Cameroon during the International Friendly match between Senegal and Cameroon
Mbeumo is set to star at the Africa Cup of Nations
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It is thought the club will appeal to the Cameroon FA, led by former Chelsea striker Samuel Eto'o, and ask that Mbeumo remain in England until after these matches have concluded.
Sources indicate that Eto'o and Co. are open to negotiation surrounding this issue, which could mean Mbeumo arrives late for Cameroon's opening fixture against Gabon on December 24. Regardless, should Cameroon progress in the competition, Mbeumo could be missing up until the final on January 18.
Adam Wharton responds to transfer rumours
A player who has been linked with a move to United in recent weeks is Crystal Palace starlet Adam Wharton. The English midfielder has impressed under Oliver Glasner and is one of the PremierLeague's hottest properties.
He spoke to The Athletic about rumours linking him with a move away from Selhurst Park, and mentioned United in particular. Wharton said: "I don't know who's spreading it or who at United is looking at it. I see it, and I'm like, 'Okay,' and then I carry on with my day.
Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Everton and Crystal Palace
Wharton is reportedly highly regarded by United
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"United, the big teams, they're all linked to 10, 20 different players. If I'm one of 20, then it's nothing special, so it doesn't really mean too much. I speak with my agent about planning ahead and possibilities.
"But at the end of the day, it is who's interested and who's willing to try and get you and if that becomes the case? You can speak about it, but you've got to represent that on the pitch and prove that you deserve it."
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