Manchester United forward Benjamin Sesko has been backed to rediscover his goalscoring form as the Red Devils continue their push for a top four finish.
Ruben Amorim’s team missed out on the chance to creep closer to the Champions League spots on Sunday, losing 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa. Morgan Rogers scored twice to secure a seventh consecutive Premier League win for Villa.
Sesko who was making his first start since returning from a knee injury missed two chances in quick succession during the first half and came under heavy criticism online for his performance.
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez (2L) saves a shot from Manchester United’s Slovenian striker #30 Benjamin Sesko (R). (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP via Getty Images)
However, United head coach Ruben Amorim has defended his striker alongside Leny Yoro, and Ayden Heaven.
Speaking about Sesko after the match, Amorim pointed to the fact that the forward has only just returned from injury as an excuse for his performance.
He said: “He is returning to competition really fast. He is going to improve a lot. The idea was 70 to 75 minutes. He stopped for a while and we are trying to help the players.
Amorim also rejected suggestions that United were repeatedly exposed in similar situations, defending both Yoro and Heaven. He added: “Sometimes we can suffer goals and concede. When you want to press and they kick the ball, Rogers can go both sides. It is really hard to defend a player like that one against one.
“We had some games against Nottingham Forest where Ayden and Leny defended one against one most of the time. Luke Shaw is the same. It is not just if you suffer goals, but the way. Sometimes the details can change the narrative.”
United will now be eager to bounce back when their face Newcastle United on Boxing Day. Amorim will be without Bruno Fernandes, who picked up a muscle injury in the first half of the game against Villa.
