Ruben Amorim has revealed why he snubbed Benjamin Sesko in the first half of his side's 3-2 victory over Burnley - and why his new £75million striker took the 10th penalty at Grimsby.
When Matheus Cunha went down clutching his hamstring early on at Old Trafford on Saturday, a grimacing Amorim was left with a decision to make.
For many of the rafters packed into the Stretford End, the answer seemed obvious - tell Sesko, still looking for his first United goal, to get stripped.
But the United boss instead opted to bring on Joshua Zirkzee to the surprise of the thousands packed into Old Trafford expecting to see the six-foot-six Slovenian limbering up.
It seemed like a snub to Sesko who - granted it's still early days - has struggled to impose himself up front for the Red Devils since moving to England from RB Leipzig.
Amorim however revealed after his side's victory that, far from a slight to the United No 30, he decided not to bring on Sesko for fears of him picking up an injury.
Sesko indeed played a full 90 minutes on his United debut at Grimsby Town on Wednesday before surprising United fans when he stepped up to take the 10th penalty in the shootout, behind the likes of Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire.
The United boss nevertheless also clarified why the 22-year-old was so far down the pecking order, telling reporters: 'He [Sesko] finished the game with cramps, really in the limit, that's why we protected Ben from the penalties.
'And today was that reason too. Josh [Zirkzee] is also an international striker but I was thinking that during pre-season Ben didn't do 90 minutes, and he did that on Wednesday.
'After the problem of Cunha [getting injured], you don't know if the full game in the middle of the week has something to do with the injury today.
'So I was not risking a player not knowing whether they would be able to play so many minutes. So everything was connected - the penalty, the game on Wednesday and the number of minutes I was thinking of using Ben for today.'
There was huge relief at Old Trafford when the final whistle blew on Saturday after a hard-fought victory against Scott Parker's Burnley.
Amorim's side started strongly - as they had to after the humiliation of midweek - and found the opener through an own-goal on 27 minutes.
Burnley got themselves back in the game after the restart thanks to a Lyle Foster header but just 13 seconds after kick-off Bryan Mbuemo put United ahead once again with his first Premier League goal for the club.
As ever, the Red Devils didn't make it easy for themselves as Jaidon Anthony bundled an effort past Altay Bayindir on 66 minutes to make it 2-2.
With tensions rising at Old Trafford, it wasn't until the 97th minute when Bruno Fernandes slotted home a penalty to seal the victory for United after Amad Diallo was pulled down in the box.
Their first win of the season takes United up to the 9th in the table, but they've got hard fixtures to come.
After the international break, Amorim's men travel to Manchester City for the derby before hosting Chelsea - and Alejandro Garnacho - at home.
Emmaveli29
0
Agree or Disagree with his formation but what he is saying is logical but people would overlook that. And then again a few seasons ago, most of our players were injured and Casemiro was playing CB. Maybe that’s what some of you guys want because it was horrible to watch and Amorim is simply trying to protect the players because you can’t help the team if injured.
I believe that the good days will come bro, we just need to have patience as fans, it took Sir Alex some years to get up to the task, Amorim is not a magician, we should give him time, it took Liverpool years to get to where they are today
Niccdortu
1
United is playing exciting football under Amorim and the stats back that fact. More chances are being created than last season but not converting them but one thing that destroys the team every week is the goalkeeping yet some people always seem to forget that and always question the coaches tactics. He wouldn't have taken the job if he knew he wouldn't backed in the transfer window. He wouldn't banish non performing players with attitude if he knew reinforcements were never going to come. Other mangers seeing this playing out will never come to United knowing they will be risking their reputation for a broken club.
akpovike
0
Agree or Disagree with his formation but what he is saying is logical but people would overlook that. And then again a few seasons ago, most of our players were injured and Casemiro was playing CB. Maybe that’s what some of you guys want because it was horrible to watch and Amorim is simply trying to protect the players because you can’t help the team if injured.
very much on point 👉👉👉
akpovike
0
Amorim Need be Sack!!! He can’t see that zikzee flop…he should play Sesko earlier…damn Amorim fucking idiotic
I nor knw say Mugu plenty 4 here Nd u b 1 of dem.sorry 4 u
akpovike
1
Amorim is not right person for the job
Na u b d person 4 d job Abi? mugu
akpovike
0
Amorim thinks he's in court trying to persuade judges. He does not want to play Hojland, then buys Sesco and puts him on Katebe claiming mbu he will get injured as he keeps losing games even on lowly teams. Shame upon him really
u be serious mugu
Nupabmpy
0
sack amorim please
Dizbeklmsz
0
I have said again n again n now once more, bring Nuno Espirito Santo as head coach and sack amorin or demote him to assist Nuno. And I'm very sure that united will finish in the top 4.
Kumanyoko
hueiklmrsz
0
Amorim is not right person for the job
zutbklnsuy
2
Coaches are there to make a call, that is why they are there & not us. Amorim will definitely take United in top 4 this season. Needed an exit of some lousy players which finally we have done it. United have a squad suitable for rigorous PL games. Dalot was a surprise pick but did well. Good for Mazraoui getting some minutes before international break. Would love to see Diego Leon getting some game time. Lammens coming is imminent.
Jaocikmst
3
Amorim should be playing sesko always.That is why we bought him!
bikbclprz
1
There's no need to explain… You've been a flop… Simple.
muhceilrst
1
just try 4-3-3 and you will make it easy for sesko to score goals
wutbceikmr
1
this is why I told Rasmus should not be sold. Rasmus is a young robust striker much better than the lazy Zirkjee. How may times has Rasmus been injured the past 2 years.
Maubcptuyz
0
He willl speak up speed!
janklopryz
0
An excuse of a manager
Roeaekr
0
mistake? didn't zirkze end up with towards goal with that header pass?
maybe he didn't watch the match pple just complain for complaining sake
Roeaekr
0
Amorim thinks he's in court trying to persuade judges. He does not want to play Hojland, then buys Sesco and puts him on Katebe claiming mbu he will get injured as he keeps losing games even on lowly teams. Shame upon him really
if you have ever managed your pocket money well you will maybe understand the difficulty managing a team. Amorim was very courageous to take man u so he needs support not criticisms
NiyoMoses
1
Amorim thinks he's in court trying to persuade judges. He does not want to play Hojland, then buys Sesco and puts him on Katebe claiming mbu he will get injured as he keeps losing games even on lowly teams. Shame upon him really
You must be a Muganda that's why u are thinking foolishly like that
Nicblmoryz
2
Amorim thinks he's in court trying to persuade judges. He does not want to play Hojland, then buys Sesco and puts him on Katebe claiming mbu he will get injured as he keeps losing games even on lowly teams. Shame upon him really
Nicblmoryz
1
zekze is better than any mu player if u observed his movements
It's not being the best player but rather scoring goals. You can really see that his movements up front are so poor. Sesco was on the pitch for a few minutes but you would see that his movements are of a typical 9. The coach is simply poor, struggling in every game. That's not the Man U I have known for years.
Nicblmoryz
1
The most useless manager I have ever seen at Man U.
zizcenrsyz
2
give the manager which time. where did Manchester Finnish last season and did it take any trophy ,neither did it qualify for Champions league come on U wicked Manchester Fan your Coach should be sacked stop ashaming Epl . Remember Man u is a big club and in the Big 4
blackBeed
1
Amorim Need be Sack!!! He can’t see that zikzee flop…he should play Sesko earlier…damn Amorim fucking idiotic
you poor Sod, you'll die poor in your small little village hating on a man who's done with his last two year what your entire family tree couldn't. if you're a Man U fan, shutup and support and trust the process.
Yamadoprt
1
Do SACK Amorim
Yamadoprt
1
Amorim Need be Sack!!! He can’t see that zikzee flop…he should play Sesko earlier…damn Amorim fucking idiotic
Cekabcpsy
0
Amorim you brought in zirzkee before sesko was a big mistake which you should have avoided for crying out loud Amorim why did man united spend money to get you a striker and you have be stupid mind to be dropping him on bench ,
Bringing Zirkzee before Sesko when Cunha was injured was a tactical substitution. It was done based on tactics. Not too bad because Sesko played 90 minutes in our last match against Grimsby despite not involved in all our preseason matches. We just played 4 matches and Sesko arrived at Old Trafford after our first match against Arsenal for crying out loud. Why complaining too much. We have many matches before the season ends, so take full note of that mate. He's our first choice striker so just relax and watch on as the season proceeds.
Amine_Ermac
0
all the comments are useless , just give the manager time
Thank you, sir. It is truly amazing how patience and time is all we need but those are currency people or Manchester United fans lack these days unfortunately. We are playing better than last season and creating more chances than last season. With time, the goals would also come.
Amine_Ermac
1
bro, the problem is that some fans just don't want to know that the intensity in English football is not like other leagues, it's just the start of the season, some of this players are not fit enough for now
I know bro. These days, everyone is a Head Coach behind their little phone keyboard thinking they know how to run a team and can’t even manage their finances, relationships, friendships, etc…. I will never seat here thinking it is easy. Since Sir Ferguson retired, we have all the sudden become so impatient with Coaches. It does not help. It is just the beginning of the season!
Pass2Pogba
1
4-4-1-1, 4-4-2, 4-3-3 formations should be our way forward with the players we have currently.
dude... our attack is better than every. just need time for our players to actually get that luck into the back of net. cuz 20+ shots is something we aren't done in years.
Pass2Pogba
1
Amorim you brought in zirzkee before sesko was a big mistake which you should have avoided for crying out loud Amorim why did man united spend money to get you a striker and you have be stupid mind to be dropping him on bench ,
mistake? didn't zirkze end up with towards goal with that header pass?
Buchano
2
Amorim you brought in zirzkee before sesko was a big mistake which you should have avoided for crying out loud Amorim why did man united spend money to get you a striker and you have be stupid mind to be dropping him on bench ,
bodaklotz
0
We need to change the manager n formation. we don't need another DM bcos once Martinez is fit he can partner Mainoo. we now need a stable good goalkeeper. I suggest Donnaruma or Emi Martinez.
You suggest world class goalies for a mid table club like united? You guys are really audacious mehn[Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
Emmaveli29
0
We need to change the manager n formation. we don't need another DM bcos once Martinez is fit he can partner Mainoo. we now need a stable good goalkeeper. I suggest Donnaruma or Emi Martinez.
I wish you can come and manage us
Emmaveli29
1
Agree or Disagree with his formation but what he is saying is logical but people would overlook that. And then again a few seasons ago, most of our players were injured and Casemiro was playing CB. Maybe that’s what some of you guys want because it was horrible to watch and Amorim is simply trying to protect the players because you can’t help the team if injured.
bro, the problem is that some fans just don't want to know that the intensity in English football is not like other leagues, it's just the start of the season, some of this players are not fit enough for now
Whuligan
2
He's more functional than Sesko
Waucdlmpyz
2
4-4-1-1, 4-4-2, 4-3-3 formations should be our way forward with the players we have currently.
Waucdlmpyz
1
amorim made wrong selection of players and also formation again!! if he started sesko cunha which is our best player currently, amorim made he have to over working and trying harder to close down, plus he's a dribbler with the ball, so he pulled up! sesko started he would give us height up front so we can put in crosses.
Amine_Ermac
6
Agree or Disagree with his formation but what he is saying is logical but people would overlook that. And then again a few seasons ago, most of our players were injured and Casemiro was playing CB. Maybe that’s what some of you guys want because it was horrible to watch and Amorim is simply trying to protect the players because you can’t help the team if injured.
Noylmpruz
0
Amorim is just a Rigid couch.
Can you coach???...!!!!!!
Maoacekluz
0
stop making noise
Noylmpruz
0
Worst coach of post Sir Alex error
You are a big lie my friend
Noylmpruz
0
all the comments are useless , just give the manager time
I agree with you 💯
Fiobcdiopy
2
We need to change the manager n formation. we don't need another DM bcos once Martinez is fit he can partner Mainoo. we now need a stable good goalkeeper. I suggest Donnaruma or Emi Martinez.
nedenprtyz
6
all the comments are useless , just give the manager time
wepceprst
1
I’m starting to think that he didn’t actually want Sesko and it was the owners who did because that’s a lame excuse about fear of Sesko getting injured. Sesko probably regretted not going to Newcastle at the moment
haven't you seen sesko played all three games? does he look like a threat to you?will you start sesko with his current form?when he played 90mins one Wednesday what contribution did you see from him?if you were the coach will it excite you to start with this current form?
Fiobcdiopy
1
I have said again n again n now once more, bring Nuno Espirito Santo as head coach and sack amorin or demote him to assist Nuno. And I'm very sure that united will finish in the top 4.
Wuoakorz
1
sack him amorim now
jiyaenpruy
1
I’m starting to think that he didn’t actually want Sesko and it was the owners who did because that’s a lame excuse about fear of Sesko getting injured. Sesko probably regretted not going to Newcastle at the moment
As a United fan I agree.
Chinadu
0
Are u màd or just planning to?
😂😂😂😂😂