UPDATE: Rio Ferdinand has made headlines by defending Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko, stating that he reminds him of former player Louis Saha, who was often undervalued for his contributions to the team. This statement comes ahead of United’s crucial match against Wolves this weekend.
Ferdinand’s comments came during his YouTube podcast, where he strongly disagreed with criticism aimed at Sesko, who has scored two goals and provided one assist in 14 Premier League games since his transfer from RB Leipzig for £74 million in August. The former United legend emphasized the importance of Sesko’s role beyond just scoring, highlighting how he facilitates the performance of other players.
As Ferdinand explained, “Sesko [offers more] than [just] goals. Yes, the strikers will be judged on their goals, but internally sometimes there are things that they bring to the table that you go, ‘You know what, that is huge’.” He pointed out that Saha, who played for United from 2004 to 2008, was often overlooked for the critical support he provided, saying, “In terms of his value to the team, he was a joke some of the stuff that he would do to enable others to play better.”
Ferdinand defended Sesko against claims from fellow podcast host Joel Beya, who suggested that the young striker had not “hit the ground running the way he was supposed to.” Ferdinand countered, stating, “I think with Sesko, listen, we still want to see the goals. But I’ve seen a few parts of his game that I go, ‘Oh the other players are liking that’.”
Former United striker Teddy Sheringham also weighed in last month, arguing that Sesko is too inexperienced for the pressure of leading the line at Manchester United. He expressed that the club should have pursued seasoned striker Harry Kane, stating, “It’s always going to be tough for a young, inexperienced striker like Sesko to come into a club like Manchester United and hit the ground running.”
With Manchester United facing ongoing pressure to perform, Ferdinand’s remarks shine a light on the expectations placed on young players like Sesko. As fans eagerly await the upcoming match against Wolves, all eyes will be on how the young striker continues to adapt to the demands of top-flight football.
The discussion surrounding Sesko’s role at United reflects broader concerns about the club’s strategy in the transfer market. As the team navigates a challenging season, the effectiveness of their young talents will be crucial in determining their success on the pitch.
Stay tuned for more updates as Manchester United’s season unfolds and the performance of Benjamin Sesko continues to attract attention.
