Manchester United just can’t seem to get going in the Premier League. Their 1-1 draw yesterday against Marco Silva’s Fulham left many feeling flat. Club legend Gary Neville, now a sharp television pundit, didn’t hide his disappointment. He pushed his long-held view that the team badly needs a new goalkeeper. Neville also zeroed in on the fitness of Benjamin Sesko.
Sesko, a 22-year-old striker, joined the Red Devils this summer. His transfer from Leipzig cost a hefty 85 million euros. Yet, he started on the bench against Fulham. This followed a similar benching in the opening game against Arsenal. Neville, speaking on Sky Sports, called the situation “a bit worrying.” The former England international noted that Fulham actually got stronger with their substitutions. He felt United, in contrast, seemed to weaken after their changes.
Neville was quite direct about the young Slovenian striker. “Let’s say Sesko is not close to his best form or gaining rhythm right now,” he stated. He believes Sesko desperately needs more time on the pitch. This is the only way for the striker to regain his top physical condition. Neville laid out a clear path for the club to follow.
The road to fitness starts this Wednesday. United plays Grimsby Town in the second round of the English League Cup. “He will have to be in the starting eleven against Grimsby, playing a full 90 minutes,” Neville insisted. He then expects Sesko to play against Burnley on Saturday. This pattern needs to continue, according to Neville. He pointed out comments from Ruben Amorim, who once spoke of a “clamor” for a player to play. Amorim had promised, “we will put him on the field immediately.” Neville echoed this sentiment for Sesko. “It’s clear he needs football,” Neville finished. “You cannot have a player of that value, with so much potential, just sitting on the bench.”