Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has come to the defense of striker Benjamin Sesko, comparing him to ex-United player Louis Saha, who he described as a “joke” in terms of his overall value to the team. This commentary arose during a recent episode of Ferdinand’s YouTube podcast, where he addressed criticisms of Sesko’s performance since his transfer from RB Leipzig for £74 million in August 2023.
Since joining Manchester United, Sesko has netted two goals and provided one assist in 14 Premier League matches. Despite these statistics, some, including podcast co-host Joel Beya, have suggested that Sesko has not started his career at the club as strongly as expected. Ferdinand countered this viewpoint, asserting that Sesko’s contributions extend beyond mere goal-scoring.
During the podcast, Ferdinand emphasized that Sesko’s role in the team shows promise, particularly in how he supports other players. He stated, “I couldn’t agree with Steve more,” referencing co-host Stephen Howson, who noted that Sesko’s absence of a full pre-season may be affecting his integration into the squad. Ferdinand highlighted Sesko’s ability to hold play and create opportunities, saying, “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’.”
Ferdinand’s Comparison to Saha
Ferdinand drew a parallel between Sesko and Saha, who played for United from 2004 to 2008. He remarked, “Forget goals with [Saha]. His all-around game… I was sitting there sometimes going, ‘Oh my God, I’m so happy he’s on our team’.” He elaborated on Saha’s ability to elevate the team’s play, suggesting that Sesko possesses similar qualities that may not be immediately reflected in his goal tally.
While Ferdinand remains optimistic about Sesko’s potential, others within the football community have expressed skepticism. Former United striker Teddy Sheringham recently criticized the club for relying too heavily on Sesko, arguing that his lack of experience could hinder his performance. Sheringham expressed that the expectations at Manchester United are immense, making it challenging for a young player like Sesko to thrive.
He stated, “Manchester United are asking too much of Benjamin Sesko. It’s a massive job to lead the line for them… For me, United should have bought Harry Kane to lead the line when they were searching for a new striker. He would have guaranteed you 20-25 goals every season.”
As Manchester United prepares to face Wolverhampton Wanderers in their upcoming match, the scrutiny on Sesko’s performance continues. Ferdinand’s defense underscores the complexities of evaluating young talent in high-pressure environments like Old Trafford, where the spotlight is always intense.
The discussion around Sesko not only highlights individual performance but also raises questions about the broader strategies employed by Manchester United in their recruitment and development of young players. As the season unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be keen to see how Sesko responds to the challenges ahead and whether he can carve out his niche in a storied club like Manchester United.
