Manchester United’s short spell of attacking improvement remains just that, a short spell, as the worst of this side came to the fore against Wolves.
Benjamin Sesko spearheaded a blunt attack made worse by Ruben Amorim taking off the only goalscorer at half-time, as Matheus Cunha also had a poor game.
Amorim changing the setup from what was working in the previous game, at least in an attacking sense, just to counter a winless Wolves side, reeks of a lack of confidence.
Who was Manchester United’s most DISAPPOINTING player vs Wolves?
It was summed up in a familiar problem Benjamin Sesko is facing. It is increasingly looking like a judgement on Amorim.
Benjamin Sesko’s familiar problem
Before going into details, it must be noted that Sesko didn’t have a proper pre-season, is young and developing, and has come into a side in transition.
Considering that, those who watch him play instead of going off raw stats know there’s a player in there who should be groomed into something special.
Sesko has shown glimpses of world-class potential at times, but the recent few games since he returned from injury haven’t been kind to him.
He has missed some gilt-edged chances, and when he isn’t missing chances, the shoots of growth in his link-up play and hold-up are disappearing.
He’s taking a step backward instead of growing steadily as he gets accustomed to the team and the league, and therein lies the biggest and most familiar problem.
Man Utd fans could be forgiven for having a feeling of deja vu at seeing Sesko slowly become a passenger in games, where he’s anonymous if he’s not scoring.
Rasmus Hojlund had become the same by the time he left the club, and that was one of the biggest factors that worked against his case to stay at the club.
Against Wolves, Sesko had another difficult game, as he hit the woodwork, but finished the game with just nine passes completed and having the fewest touches of any outfield player (35).
Are you worried about Benjamin Sesko? Do you think he can turn this around quickly?
What is going wrong for Sesko in front of goal?
Hojlund was discarded for being a passenger in games, with his all-round play leaving a lot to be desired. After just six months under Amorim, Sesko is taking that same backward step.
Sesko’s struggles are a judgement on Ruben Amorim
Not being able to work with Hojlund was slightly understandable because the Dane was already a shell of his former self by the time Amorim arrived at Old Trafford.
However, Sesko is Amorim’s project player, and someone for whom he has publicly said he has high hopes.
If, after less than six months, he’s starting to have the same problem Hojlund had in Amorim’s system, then questions need to be asked of the manager instead of the player.
United have developed a curious habit of flooding crosses in when Sesko isn’t playing, only to stop altogether when their 6’5″ striker is in the box.
Sesko, like Hojlund, has been reduced to a static target man up front who just has to bring the ball down and keep possession.
There are no attacking patterns, no clear-cut chances created, and no service for a player who tries to make the most of what he’s given.
The problem is, as it was with Hojlund, that he needs to be given so much more.
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