Manchester United are looking to build momentum when domestic football returns following the international break, after going five games without defeat
Benjamin Sesko and Ruben Amorim
Ruben Amorim and Benjamin Sesko are both still trying to find some consistency at Manchester United
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It's been a turbulent start to the season but Manchester United are finally showing signs of stability under Ruben Amorim. Consecutive 2-2 draws with Tottenham and Nottingham Forest before the international break don't look great on paper but they extended United's unbeaten run to five games - their longest streak since Amorim took charge.
With five wins and three draws from their opening 11 matches, the Red Devils sit seventh in the Premier League, within sight of the top four. However, for all the signs of progress, plenty of issues remain.
Chief among them is the form of their £74million summer signing Benjamin Sesko. The Slovenian striker has shown flashes of promise but has managed just two goals in 12 appearances so far.
If United are to sustain this mini revival, they'll need greater consistency in front of goal - and Sesko's fortunes could prove pivotal, not just for the club, but for Amorim too.
The Portuguese manager's position feels relatively secure for the moment, but it remains precarious and another downturn in results could quickly put his job back on the line. With that in mind, here at the latest Manchester United-related headlines.
Amorim's brutal report card
Premier League icon Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has claimed that Amorim hasn't improved a single aspect of Manchester United since taking charge at Old Trafford. Despite the club's recent upturn in form, the former Chelsea striker insists he remains unconvinced by the 40-year-old manager.
"I don't think they have improved, I'm sorry," Hasselbaink said on Sky Sports News. "Where, where have they improved? They have not scored more goals, they have not had less goals against, they have not won any trophies.
"Yes, they have been in a final in Europe but lost against a poor side - Tottenham were a poor side last year. He has got a lot of work to do, a lot of work. I don't think they are creative enough, not like they used to be."
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink hasn't been impressed by Ruben Amorim's tenure at Man Utd
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Despite Hasselbaink's criticism, United's owners are said to be pleased with Amorim's recent progress and remain increasingly confident that he can turn the club's fortunes around.
Whatever happens, Amorim has vowed not to change his approach. "During my career as a manager, most of the time I was winning," he told MUTV recently.
"When you are winning, you can say that you have convictions and you are loyal to your ideas, but you learn when you lose, when you are under pressure and I learned that when I’m under pressure, I’m stronger on my ideas and I keep with my ideas.
"Of course, it's really important to feel the support of everyone in the club, especially the fans that help you, to give you that confidence to continue on your path, but that was the biggest learning point: when I'm under pressure, I can stick with my plan."
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim
Amorim's United are yet to find long-lasting consistency
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Sesko row erupts
Tensions around Benjamin Sesko have been rising after the Slovenian national team were reportedly left in the dark over the striker's fitness. Sesko picked up a knock against Tottenham and was later assessed by United's medical staff, who deemed him unfit for international duty.
The decision angered Slovenia manager Matjaz Kek, who accused United of showing a lack of respect by preventing his medical team from conducting their own assessment.
According to reports, Kek even threatened to spark a 'diplomatic incident' before United eventually provided medical evidence to support their ruling.
Benjamin Sesko
Sesko has been struggling at both club and international level
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In response the Slovenian FA released the following statement : "The medical team of the Slovenian national football team received the complete medical documentation from Manchester United regarding Benjamin Sesko's health condition following his injury on Saturday, including the current clinical picture and the examinations performed.
"Unfortunately, the injury currently does not allow for the training process. In the coming days, additional examinations and the start of treatment are planned at the club, so Benjamin will unfortunately not be able to participate in this national team action. We wish Benjamin a speedy recovery and a return to the football field as soon as possible."
His withdrawal from international duty means Sesko will go a full calendar year without scoring for Slovenia. The 22-year-old - widely regarded as the brightest talent in Slovenian football - has netted 16 goals in 45 appearances for his country, with his last coming in November 2024.
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