After Manchester United's humiliating exit to Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup, Benjamin Sesko's first interview as a Red Devil has seemingly come back to haunt him
Benjamin Sesko speaking to the camera in his first interview at Manchester United
The positivity Benjamin Sesko expressed in his first interview at Manchester United may have taken a hit
(Image: YouTube/Manchester United)
He only arrived through the door a few weeks ago, but Benjamin Sesko's initial optimism has already been dashed at Manchester United as worrying signs continue to develop at the club.
The 22-year-old Slovenian was handed his maiden start in the Carabao Cup second round encounter against Grimsby Town. It turned out to be a disastrous full debut as Ruben Amorim's team managed only a 2-2 draw with the League Two side, before losing 12-11 on penalties.
The embarrassing elimination at Blundell Park was hardly what the £74million striker had in mind when he turned down Newcastle United to sign for the Red Devils from RB Leipzig.
Beyond his inability to find a way past Town keeper Christy Pym, more concerning was Sesko's position as the 10th penalty taker for United in the shootout, with only Andre Onana following him. Whilst he did successfully convert his spot-kick, his place in the pecking order was telling, suggesting either he or Amorim lacked confidence in his ability to score from 12 yards.
The promising striker had expressed his eagerness to challenge for football's most prestigious honours upon his arrival, but the loss to Grimsby has shot down some of his hopes.
He said: "The history of Manchester United is obviously very special but what really excites me is the future. When we discussed the project, it was clear that everything is in place for this team to continue to grow and compete for the biggest trophies again soon."
That aspiration already seems to have vanished, with United now left with just two competitions remaining: the Premier League, which appears beyond their reach for the foreseeable future, and the FA Cup.
The striker also mentioned there was optimism within the squad – if that existed, last night's outcome and their disappointing campaign start would have certainly dampened it, particularly given Amorim's post-match comments.
Sesko said: "From the moment that I arrived, I could feel the positive energy and family environment that the club has created. It is clearly the perfect place to reach my maximum level and fulfil all of my ambitions.
Benjamin Sesko of Manchester United misses a chnace during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Grimsby Town and Manchester United at Blundell Park on August 27, 2025 in Grimsby, England.
Sesko also missed a great chance to win the tie for United
"I cannot wait to start learning from Ruben [Amorim] and connecting with my team-mates to achieve the success that we all know we are capable of together."
If the evident tension etched across Amorim and his squad's faces suggests anything, then the "positive energy" Sesko referenced has completely dissipated. The outlook had seemed encouraging following United's creditable display in their 1-0 home defeat to Arsenal.
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Fresh arrivals Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have appeared promising this campaign. However, the pair, who cost nearly £125m, both failed from the penalty spot.
Sesko's ambitions of developing under Amorim may have also suffered a setback, as the Portuguese head coach's post-match remarks indicated the club's persistently disappointing displays have pushed him to breaking point.
Ruben Amorim, Manager of Manchester United, looks dejected during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Grimsby Town and Manchester United at Blundell Park on August 27, 2025 in Grimsby, England
Ruben Amorim looked shell-shocked after the game(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
He angrily said: "I know that the best team won, the only team that was on the pitch. I think the team and the players spoke really loud today. So that's it.
"We lost, the best team won. I think it was really clear for everybody what happened today. It's not just the space (we gave them), but the way we started the game without any intensity – we were completely lost.
"It's hard to explain. That's why I think they spoke really well. I think they gave the response on the pitch today. When you see something that, like today, it's hard to talk."
It will be telling if Sesko starts for United against Burnley in a must-win game on Saturday ahead of the international break.