Wayne Rooney has questioned Benjamin Sesko’s absence from Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Fulham after the striker was ruled out with a shin injury.
Sesko had been gradually introduced into the first team after missing pre-season with a shin problem, but he was left out completely for United’s trip to Craven Cottage.
Speaking on his Stick to United podcast, Wayne Rooney appeared surprised that the injury was enough to keep Sesko out of the match.
“Shin? Has he broken it?” Rooney said. “You can hurt your shin, you can take tackles… I bet he’s wearing them little stupid shinpads as well.”
Rooney questions Sesko’s availability
The former Manchester United captain then linked the striker’s absence to what he sees as a wider problem with the club’s attacking options, particularly with Sesko being the main recognised No. 9 available to manager Michael Carrick.
“If you’re trying to play No. 9 for Man United and you’ve got a must-win game and you’ve got a sore shin and you’re not playing… that’s a big part of the problem,” Rooney said.
Sesko’s absence meant Carrick had to continue without his £74 million summer signing leading the line, adding to the questions surrounding United’s options in attack.
Rooney also reflected on the approach to injuries during his playing days, suggesting players were often expected to push through pain when possible.
“Unless you physically can’t play, you play when you’re injured,” he said. “I remember before games we used to get injections and the doctor used to put them in your arse.”
Rooney’s comments highlight his frustration over Sesko’s absence, although the precise nature of the striker’s current shin issue has not been detailed.
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