Benjamin Sesko's full debut at Manchester United was one he would hope to forget, but the loss to Grimsby Town has dragged up another concern about the forward
11:53, 28 Aug 2025
GRIMSBY, ENGLAND - AUGUST 27: Benjamin Sesko of Manchester United walks out ahead of the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Grimsby Town and Manchester United at Blundell Park on August 27, 2025 in Grimsby, England. (Photo by Zohaib Alam - MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Benjamin Sesko made his full Manchester United debut against Grimsby Town(Image: Zohaib Alam - MUFC, Manchester United via Getty Images)
The summer holidays are not even over, yet Benjamin Sesko has already given Manchester United a cause for concern.
The 22-year-old Slovenian was given his first start in the Carabao Cup second round match against Grimsby Town. However, his full debut turned into a nightmare as Ruben Amorim's side could only manage a 2-2 draw with the League Two team, before suffering a 12-11 defeat on penalties.
The humiliating exit at Blundell Park was far from what the £74million striker had envisioned when he chose to join the Red Devils over Newcastle United from RB Leipzig. Aside from his failure to beat Town goalkeeper Christy Pym, it was particularly worrying Sesko was the 10th penalty taker for United in the shootout, with only Andre Onana following him.
Although he did successfully convert his penalty, his position in the line-up suggested either a lack of confidence in his ability to score from 12 yards on his part or on Amorim's. Upon joining the club, the promising forward had expressed his desire to compete for football's top honours, but the defeat to Grimsby has dealt a blow to his aspirations.
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."
United's hopes now rest solely on two competitions: the Premier League, which seems out of their grasp for the time being, and the FA Cup. The striker also hinted at a sense of optimism within the team – if such a sentiment existed, it would have undoubtedly been dampened by last night's result and their lacklustre start to the season, especially in light of Amorim's post-match remarks.
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. 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."
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 missed a great opportunity to win the game in the dying moments(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
If the clear tension visible on the faces of Amorim and his squad is any indication, then the "positive energy" Sesko mentioned appears to have completely evaporated. The outlook had seemed promising following United's commendable performance in their 1-0 home loss to Arsenal.
New signings Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have shown promise this season, until the duo, who cost nearly £125m, both missed from the penalty spot. Sesko's aspirations of progressing under Amorim may have also taken a hit, as the Portuguese head coach's post-match comments suggested the club's consistently disappointing performances have pushed him to his limit.
In a heated statement, he 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.
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
Amorim did not hide his anger at Blundell Park(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
"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."
Amorim's confidence, or lack of, could become clear on the weekend if he decides to start Sesko, in United's next Premier League game at home to Burnley.
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