Table of Contents
- Striker or Defender?
- Sesko's Performance
- Injury Impact
- Amorim's Comments
- Squad Depth Issues
- Historical Signings
In the absence of a striker, a defender came to Manchester United's rescue.
Matthijs de Ligt's first goal of the season is just one less than Benjamin Sesko’s meager total of two goals in 12 matches.
Sesko, who was signed for a hefty fee, cost United twice in their match against Tottenham. He missed opportunities at 1-0 and 1-1, and he sustained an injury during a collision with Micky van de Ven while attempting his second chance.
Sesko has made a slow start to his career at Manchester UnitedCredit: Reuters
The Slovenian suffered a knee injury against Tottenham in his last matchCredit: Getty
His early exit due to injury in the 88th minute left United with ten players, leading to another goal conceded from Richarlison’s fortunate deflection.
De Ligt saved Sesko almost as much as Ruben Amorim defended his five substitutions.
Amorim explained that Harry Maguire and Casemiro were injured. Sesko actually replaced full-back Noussair Mazraoui as the first substitution just before the hour mark.
The United manager should perhaps be more cautious about introducing the loose Manuel Ugarte in tightly contested matches. It was Ugarte who played Richarlison onside for his goal in the 91st minute.
As much as United's operations manager Acacio Valentim celebrated De Ligt’s equalizer in the technical area, it wasn't a result worth celebrating.
This was two points dropped for United the week prior, and Spurs seemed set to take three points until De Ligt connected with Bruno Fernandes’s inswinging corner in the 96th minute.
United have managed to win only one of their last 11 Premier League away games. Amorim mentioned earlier this month that they are a different team away from Old Trafford, and they were seconds away from a loss against a struggling Spurs side.
Tottenham fans expressed their discontent at half-time and again in the second half when Thomas Frank substituted Xavi Simons for Mathys Tel.
United held the lead for nearly 50 minutes against a team that seemed to be in turmoil due to their poor home performance. Spurs are now unbeaten in their last eight matches against United.
It is reassuring for United supporters that Amorim is striking the right chords. Unlike Valentim, he did not over-celebrate and remarked afterward that it was a missed opportunity.
Amorim felt that United lacked the “bravery” to maintain their lead. He inadvertently contributed to that with a purely attacking substitution.
Sesko for Mazraoui was a change filled with positive intent, but there is little positivity surrounding Sesko's current form.
His inability to take a shot when in the Tottenham penalty area on both occasions was once again reminiscent of Rasmus Hojlund. There are striking similarities between the two.
Amorim anticipated this situation. He benched Sesko for the away game against Spurs and likely would have done so against Manchester City had Mason Mount and Matheus Cunha not been unavailable due to injuries.
Director of football Jason Wilcox is often quoted in press releases when United confirms a signing. He referenced the “data” behind Sesko’s acquisition.
That is as close as we will get to an indication that Sesko was primarily a club-led signing.
United needed a striker, but the ideal profile—an attainable, proven goalscorer in their early to mid-twenties who isn't overpriced—did not exist.
Sesko only meets two of those criteria, and his performance anxiety is concerning, though not as much as his knee injury.
Amorim has a tendency to exaggerate issues. He is so inexperienced at post-match press conferences that he can make press officers want to hide their faces in their hands.
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