Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has voiced serious concerns over the club’s tactical handling of new striker Benjamin Sesko, following United’s 1–1 draw against Fulham in the Premier League. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand questioned the team’s approach to integrating the £74 million summer signing, suggesting that United are failing to play to Sesko’s strengths and leaving the Slovenian forward isolated and ineffective.
Sesko, who joined United from RB Leipzig after scoring 21 goals last season, was introduced in the 53rd minute against Fulham but struggled to make an impact. Ferdinand’s critique focused not on the player’s ability, but on the lack of support and clarity in his role under manager Ruben Amorim.
🧭 Timeline of Benjamin Sesko’s Early Appearances for Manchester United
| Match Date | Opponent | Minutes Played | Performance Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 18, 2025 | Arsenal | 5 minutes | Late cameo, minimal involvement |
| August 24, 2025 | Fulham | 37 minutes | Subbed in early, isolated in attack |
Despite his price tag and pedigree, Sesko has yet to start a match for United, raising questions about his integration and tactical fit.
📊 Ferdinand’s Key Concerns About Sesko’s Usage
| Concern Area | Ferdinand’s Observation | Tactical Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Lack of direct service | “Get the ball into him… we are playing it around him” | United failing to exploit Sesko’s hold-up play |
| Team support | “Senior players must help him find his feet” | Lack of integration for new signings |
| Tactical clarity | “I don’t know what he is or what he’s doing” | Confusion over Sesko’s role in Amorim’s system |
| Missed opportunities | “Let Fulham off the hook… didn’t punish the weak” | United’s inability to capitalize on dominance |
Ferdinand emphasized that Sesko’s physicality and presence should be leveraged more directly, urging United to simplify their approach and allow the striker to grow into his role.
🔍 Ruben Amorim’s Response: “He Needs Time”
United manager Ruben Amorim defended Sesko’s performance, stating that the player is still adjusting to the pace and intensity of the Premier League. Amorim said he was “really happy” with Sesko’s attitude in training and urged fans to be patient.
| Amorim’s Statement | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| “He needs time to adjust” | Acknowledges adaptation phase |
| “Happy with his application” | Positive training attitude |
| “Talent will shine through” | Long-term confidence in Sesko’s potential |
Despite Amorim’s assurances, Ferdinand’s comments have sparked broader discussion about United’s attacking setup and whether the team is tactically aligned to support a traditional striker.
🧠 Comparing Sesko’s Style to United’s Current System
Sesko is known for his aerial prowess, hold-up play, and ability to stretch defenses. However, United’s current system under Amorim often emphasizes fluidity, short passing, and midfield overloads, which may not suit a target man approach.
| Attribute | Sesko’s Strengths | United’s Current Style |
|---|---|---|
| Aerial Duels | Strong | Limited crossing and wing play |
| Hold-Up Play | Effective | Midfield-centric build-up |
| Off-the-ball Runs | Intelligent | Lack of vertical service |
| Physical Presence | Dominant | Underutilized in box |
Ferdinand’s critique suggests that unless United adapt their tactics, Sesko’s impact may remain muted despite his individual talent.
📉 United’s Early Season Performance Under Amorim
United have taken just one point from their opening two fixtures, drawing against Fulham and losing to Arsenal. The team has scored only once—a deflected header credited as an own goal by Rodrigo Muniz.
| Match Result | Goals Scored | Goals Conceded | Points Earned |
|---|---|---|---|
| vs Arsenal (0–1) | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| vs Fulham (1–1) | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Ferdinand noted that United “dominated the life out of Fulham” early in the match but failed to capitalize, allowing the hosts to grow into the game and equalize through Emile Smith Rowe.
🔍 Ferdinand’s Broader Critique of United’s Mentality
Beyond Sesko, Ferdinand also criticized United’s inability to maintain momentum and composure when under pressure. He pointed to a lack of confidence and lingering effects from last season’s poor campaign.
| Mentality Issue | Ferdinand’s Commentary |
|---|---|
| Confidence | “There’s still a hangover from last season” |
| Game Management | “We go on the back foot… lose our shape” |
| Killer Instinct | “Best teams punish the weak… we didn’t” |
| Leadership | “Senior players must step up” |
Ferdinand urged United to develop a more ruthless edge, especially when in control of matches, and to support new players like Sesko in finding their rhythm.
📌 Conclusion
Rio Ferdinand’s candid assessment of Manchester United’s use of Benjamin Sesko has sparked a timely conversation about tactical clarity, player integration, and team mentality. While Ruben Amorim remains confident in Sesko’s long-term potential, the early signs suggest a disconnect between the striker’s strengths and United’s current playing style.
As the Premier League season unfolds, all eyes will be on whether United can adapt their approach to unlock Sesko’s talent—or risk another high-profile signing failing to deliver.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports and official statements as of August 26, 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute tactical, financial, or professional advice.
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