Shearer Criticizes Man Utd’s Benjamin Sesko Transfer Fee

Benjamin Sesko has become a major talking point at Manchester United, with Alan Shearer publicly criticizing the club for overpaying on the Slovenian striker. The £70m transfer from RB Leipzig was meant to solve United’s attacking woes, but so far, Sesko has struggled to justify his hefty price tag.

Benjamin Sesko’s Difficult Start at Manchester United

Benjamin Sesko’s arrival at Old Trafford was met with high expectations, as United looked to revamp their forward line after a disappointing 2024-25 campaign. The Red Devils secured their top target for £74 million after a protracted chase, demonstrating their willingness to invest in a promising young talent to boost their Premier League ambitions.

However, Sesko’s adaptation to English football has been anything but smooth. In the 2025-26 season, the 22-year-old striker has managed just two goals in 12 appearances across all competitions. His limited impact has seen him start only six of United’s 11 Premier League matches so far, a statistic that has fueled criticism from pundits and fans alike.

Injury Concerns Overshadow Form

Adding to his struggles, Sesko was injured during United’s recent 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur. Substituted in after the break and then forced off following a tough challenge from Micky van de Ven, Sesko’s knee injury became the primary concern for manager Ruben Amorim. Amorim emphasized post-match that “the injury is the biggest worry right now,” underlining the delicate balance between a player’s form and physical health.

With United desperate for stability up front, Sesko’s fitness will be closely monitored. Club officials have since stated that initial scans are positive, with hopes for a quick recovery ahead of the crucial Everton match after the international break.

Shearer’s Take: “Too Much Paid for Too Little Return”

Newcastle legend Alan Shearer has not minced words about the situation. In comments to Betfair, Shearer remarked, “One player that must do better for United is Benjamin Sesko. They paid 70 odd million for him. That was a lot of money, I know it’s the market but it was too much.” Shearer added that while Sesko is a good player, he doesn’t see him living up to such a massive fee, especially given his poor start and lack of goals thus far.

Shearer’s skepticism echoes the broader sentiment among football analysts who feel United’s investment in Sesko may not yield the expected returns, at least in the short term.

Slovenia’s Response to Manchester United’s Handling of Sesko

Sesko’s injury has also led to tensions between Manchester United and the Slovenian national team. Slovenia coach Matjaz Kek publicly criticized United for their lack of communication regarding Sesko’s condition. Kek expressed his concern, stating, “We have officially not received anything yet; no papers, no documents. We want our medical team to also take a look at it.”

He emphasized the importance of player welfare and respect between club and country, especially with World Cup qualifiers on the horizon. Kek’s comments highlight the high stakes for both the player’s club and national team, each keen to ensure Sesko’s wellbeing.

When Will Sesko Return?

Following the injury scare, United’s medical staff conducted comprehensive tests and are confident that Sesko has avoided serious damage. The hope is that he will be available for selection after the international break, with United set to face Everton on November 24.

Nonetheless, his slow adaptation and fitness issues mean that manager Ruben Amorim will need to carefully manage his minutes, especially as the club competes on multiple fronts.

What’s Next for Benjamin Sesko and Manchester United?

The scrutiny on Benjamin Sesko is unlikely to lessen anytime soon. With a hefty transfer fee and the pressure of leading the line for one of football’s biggest clubs, the Slovenian striker must find a way to adapt to the Premier League’s demands. United fans will be hoping that, with improved form and fitness, Sesko can begin to deliver on the promise that prompted the club’s record investment.

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Opinion: Patience or Pressure for Sesko?

While it’s easy to be critical of Benjamin Sesko’s slow start, it’s important to remember the difficulties young players often face when adapting to a new league and the weight of a significant transfer fee. Time, support, and consistent opportunities could still see Sesko develop into a key player for United. However, in the fast-paced world of Premier League football, patience is often in short supply—making the coming months crucial for both player and club.