Former Manchester United defender and prominent pundit Gary Neville has expressed considerable disappointment with the performance of summer signing Benjamin Sesko, citing concerns over the 22-year-old striker’s impact following his reported $101 million transfer fee.
Neville, now a television commentator, criticized Sesko’s current form after Manchester United’s recent 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest.
“I’m still not convinced by him, I don’t have a verdict,” Neville told NBC Sports. He specifically pointed to Sesko’s ball control and general appearance on the field.
“He looks clumsy,” Neville stated, adding that the Slovenian international had several good opportunities in the first half of the match but “his ball control wasn’t perfect.”
The criticism comes despite the striker being manager Ruben Amorim’s preferred choice to bolster Manchester United’s attack during the summer transfer window. This move occurred after another target, Viktor Gyökeres, reportedly chose to join Arsenal instead.
Sesko, at 22, is still expected to adapt and grow, but Neville indicated that the substantial transfer cost demands more immediate results.
“For $101 million, you can say he’s young, or has a lot of potential and is still adapting, but he needs to show a bit more,” Neville added.
The draw against Nottingham Forest prevented Manchester United from securing their fourth consecutive Premier League victory. The team had to come back from a 2-1 deficit in the match.