Olaleye Idowu
Manchester United manager, Ruben Amorim, has explained why he did not pick his multi-million striker, Benjamin Sesko, as one of the penalty takers during their disappointing defeat to Grimsby in midweek.
Manchester United were beaten 12-11 during penalties by the League 2 side on Wednesday, crashing out of the Carabao Cup.
The player, who cost the Red Devils about £66million, waited until about the 11th kick to get involved.
Former Aston Villa attacker, Gabriel Agbonlahor, had slammed the Slovenia striker, describing him as a coward for this reason.
Agbonlahor had wondered why a striker of his calibre could decide not to take one of the penalties in the early stage of the Red Devils’ loss to an English League Two side.
Speaking after the win over Burnley, as quoted by Manchester Evening News, Amorim said he chose to keep the striker away from the shootout.
“So he finished the [Grimsby] game with cramps, really at the limit. That’s why we protected Ben from the penalties,” explained Amorim.
Manchester United recorded their first win of the season on Saturday, beating Burnley 3-2 at Old Trafford.
It was also Amorim’s 7th win as Manchester United’s manager since joining in 2024.
