Manchester United are reeling after being dumped out of the Carabao Cup by League Two side Grimsby Town, who claimed a deserved win on Wednesday night.
United fielded a starting XI worth just over £400m at Blundell Park, but were embarrassed by Grimsby who barged into a 2-0 lead at half-time.
A disallowed third goal was unfortunate on the Mariners, before a late comeback from United through Bryan Mbeumo and Harry Maguire forced penalties.
Manchester United players line up for a penalty shootout in the Carabao Cup against Grimsby
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
New signing Matheus Cunha missed what would have been the winning penalty, before Mbeumo fired his second kick of a mammoth shoot-out against the bar to hand Grimsby the win. However, fans and pundits noticed the absence of another summer addition in the shoot-out.
Gabriel Agbonlahor calls out ‘cowardly’ Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko
As Manchester United’s penalty shoot-out with Grimsby went on, it became apparent that £74m striker Benjamin Sesko, who was making his full debut, was not on the list of designated penalty takers.
Sesko was absent from the initial five takers, and then notably so as sudden death continued through the defences of both teams. In fact, Sesko stepped up tenth, the last of the outfield players, and only before goalkeeper Andre Onana.
For that, he has attracted criticism, with TalkSport pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor calling his actions ‘cowardly.’ He said: “your star striker was probably waiting for the Manchester United groundsman to turn up to Grimsby and take the penalty.
“He was 10th in line before the keeper. How can your star striker let all the defenders take a penalty before you, then he takes one and scores it? That shows to me that he’s a coward as well.”
Benjamin Sesko debut adds to Manchester United doubts under Ruben Amorim
Ruben Amorim seemed to suggest after the game that talks would take place over his future in the upcoming international break, appearing to criticise the mentality of his players well before the shoot-out.
Benjamin Sesko of Manchester United heads the ball during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Grimsby Town and Manchester United at Blundell Park
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Sesko was unconvincing throughout, with Amorim previously saying he is not fully fit or up to speed with the Premier League. But this was a League Two opponent and Sesko had a 100 per cent record on penalties throughout his career, so what better way to kick-start his United career than an important penalty.
His avoidance, and United’s overall showing, led Agbonlahor to continue: “A lot of those players are cowards.
“I don’t use that word softly because there’s nothing worse as a man than being called a coward, but a lot of those Manchester United players are cowards.”