'Obsessed' Sesko will star for Man Utd says Amorim
Sesko joined United from RB Leipzig in a deal worth up to £73.7 million (US$99 million) last Saturday.
Armed with the predatory instincts and physical stature, the 22-year-old Slovenian will spearhead Amorim's bid to revitalise United after their worst season since 1973-74.
Sesko could join fellow United new-boys Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo in Amorim's overhauled attack, starting with Arsenal's visit to Old Trafford this weekend.
"He can play different types of football," Amorim told reporters on Friday.
"He is going to learn but he has a great potential and I can see Ben being a striker for Manchester United for a lot of years.
"That's why we paid so much money to have a striker that will have his history in our club."
Asked if Sesko could start against Arsenal, the United boss said: "We didn't have a lot of time but he's ready.
"Physically, he's ready. That is a big component in our league. Then, he's really smart. Every detail that he asks, he's a guy that is always thinking.
"He spends all afternoon here working on his fitness, so he's ready to play. We will see if he's going to start."
Sesko scored 21 goals for German side Leipzig last term and has made a good first impression on Amorim at United's new-look Carrington training complex.
"He's one guy who stays here, has lunch, and goes to the medical department, does the stretching," he said.
"He is always thinking about football. He's really obsessed about that and that is a good thing because you don't have to think about that aspect with that young guy.
"I don't need to tell Ben, 'Ben, this is Manchester United, a lot of pressure, you have to perform, you need to be ready for the physicality, we need to be ready, every game is like do or die'.
Sesko's arrival in Manchester has raised fresh questions over the future of United striker Rasmus Hojlund.
The 22-year-old Denmark international has been strongly linked with an exit, just two years on from joining from Atalanta.
Hojlund said on United's pre-season tour that he wants to stay at United, but reports of a potential move to AC Milan persist.
"He is one more option," Amorim said. "We will see. We are focused on this game and Rasmus is still our player."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
3 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Arsenal ‘digging for gold' as title bid starts at new-look Man Utd
LONDON, Aug 16 — Mikel Arteta has challenged Arsenal to keep digging for gold as they prepare to start their latest bid for a first Premier League title since 2004 against revamped Manchester United tomorrow. Arteta's side have finished as Premier League runners-up for the last three seasons, sparking criticism of their failure to get over the line in the title race. Arsenal blew significant leads when Manchester City pipped them to the trophy in 2023 and 2024 before Liverpool left the injury-plagued north Londoners trailing in their wake last season. Arsenal's title frustrations are mounting, with fans questioning whether Arteta is the right man to end their drought after winning only the 2020 FA Cup since he took charge in December 2019. But the Gunners showed their potential last season with a run to the Champions League semi-finals that ended with a narrow defeat against eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain. And, buoyed by a host of new signings worth over £180 million ($244 million) in total, Arteta is convinced they can finally get their hands on the Premier League silverware this season 'You keep digging, digging, digging, and you have to be digging because one day the gold is going to be there,' he told reporters yesterday. 'For three seasons we've had more points than (nearly) any other team in this league, which is incredible. 'You have the consistency, but now we have to do it in a season, to end with more points than any other team. 'That's the objective. When I've been taught, when I've been educated, that's it.' Hampered by injuries to Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz at various stages last season, Arsenal lacked a cutting edge and were held to 14 draws compared to Liverpool's nine. That was a crucial edge as Arsenal finished 10 points behind the champions. In an attempt to insulate Arsenal against another fitness-related collapse, Arteta has brought in Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres, Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, Chelsea winger Noni Madueke and Brentford midfielder Christian Norgaard. 'Every game is like 'do-or-die' After bemoaning Arsenal's failure to sign Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins as Liverpool pulled away during the January window, the Spaniard is a far more upbeat figure on the eve of the new season. 'I think we have great versatility, very different qualities in relation to the opposition, so we are very happy with that,' he said. Arteta said 'too many' teams have a legitimate shot at winning the Premier League for his liking, some he even suspects will 'surprise everybody'. Whether that was a hint United, who suffered their worst season since 1973-74 last term, could emerge as contenders after their summer spending spree remains to be seen. Arsenal were linked with a move for United's new striker Benjamin Sesko before deciding to bet on Gyokeres for a fee that could rise to £66 million. Gyokeres netted 97 times in 102 games in two years at Sporting, much of which came under United's current manager Ruben Amorim. Instead of being reunited with the Swede, Amorim overhauled his attack with the signings of Leipzig's Sesko, Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo and Wolves forward Matheus Cunha at a combined cost of over £200 million. United, who haven't won the title since 2013, had to spend big to erase the stench of their putrid campaign. Amorim's team finished a dismal 15th in the top-flight and squandered a chance to qualify for the Champions League with a toothless 1-0 defeat against fellow underachievers Tottenham in the Europa League final. The pressure is on Amorim, who replaced the sacked Erik Ten Hag in November, to deliver major improvements in his second season. Amorim knows Sesko will be key to that target and he believes the 22-year-old Slovenian is ready to rise to the challenge. 'I don't need to tell Ben, 'Ben, this is Manchester United, a lot of pressure. Every game is like do or die',' Amorim said. 'He is always thinking about football. He's really obsessed about that.' — AFP
Malay Mail
3 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Jota remembered by Liverpool in emotional tribute at season opener
LIVERPOOL, Aug 16 —Emotional Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah buried his face in his hands as the Anfield crowd gave a heart-wrenching rendition of You'll Never Walk Alone in tribute to beloved forward Diogo Jota ahead of the Premier League season-opener yesterday. The reigning champions honoured the Portugal forward with a minute's silence before the kick-off against Bournemouth as Jota's death in a car crash alongside his brother Andre Silva last month cast a sombre cloud over the pre-game proceedings. The players stood arm-in-arm with heads bowed, while fans wiped away tears and the words 'Rest in peace Diogo Jota and Andre Silva, you'll never walk alone,' were displayed around the pitch. Liverpool manager Arne Slot reflected on how the squad had coped following the death of their teammate. 'The squad is far better than I expected five or six weeks ago,' the Dutchman told Sky Sports before kick-off. 'At the moment in time you feel, will it ever be possible to play again or will it ever be possible to get them going again? 'But as I said many times they have conducted themselves so, so well in that period of time, when we first heard the news (about Jota's death) and afterwards. 'On both sides they were great. As human beings but also they understood that they needed to be professional footballers again so we had to work hard and that is what they started doing.' Jota scarves and banners dotted the crowd, while 'Diogo' shirts dominated those worn by fans pouring into the stadium. Fans in two stands held placards that spelt out 'DJ 20' and 'AS 30' in Portugal's red, green and white colours. The Liverpool players will wear a 'Forever 20' emblem on their shirts this season, while the club has retired Jota's No. 20 shirt across all levels of the club, including the women's team and academy, after consultation with Jota's family. After 20 minutes and 20 seconds of yesterday's game, the Anfield crowd stood and cheered and sang their Jota song, set to the tune of Creedence Clearwater Revival's Bad Moon Rising. — Reuters
Malay Mail
4 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Amorim backs Sesko to shine at Manchester United, ready for Arsenal challenge
LONDON, Aug 16 — Ruben Amorim has backed Benjamin Sesko to torment Premier League defenders saying Manchester United's new striker is ready to face Arsenal in their top-flight opener tomorrow. Sesko joined United from RB Leipzig in a deal worth up to £73.7 million (RM421 million) last Saturday. Armed with the predatory instincts and physical stature, the 22-year-old Slovenian will spearhead Amorim's bid to revitalise United after their worst season since 1973-74. Sesko could join fellow United new-boys Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo in Amorim's overhauled attack, starting with Arsenal's visit to Old Trafford this weekend. 'He can play different types of football,' Amorim told reporters on Friday. 'He is going to learn but he has a great potential and I can see Ben being a striker for Manchester United for a lot of years. 'That's why we paid so much money to have a striker that will have his history in our club.' Asked if Sesko could start against Arsenal, the United boss said: 'We didn't have a lot of time but he's ready. 'Physically, he's ready. That is a big component in our league. Then, he's really smart. Every detail that he asks, he's a guy that is always thinking. 'He spends all afternoon here working on his fitness, so he's ready to play. We will see if he's going to start.' Sesko scored 21 goals for German side Leipzig last term and has made a good first impression on Amorim at United's new-look Carrington training complex. 'He's one guy who stays here, has lunch, and goes to the medical department, does the stretching,' he said. 'He is always thinking about football. He's really obsessed about that and that is a good thing because you don't have to think about that aspect with that young guy. 'I don't need to tell Ben, 'Ben, this is Manchester United, a lot of pressure, you have to perform, you need to be ready for the physicality, we need to be ready, every game is like do or die'. Sesko's arrival in Manchester has raised fresh questions over the future of United striker Rasmus Hojlund. The 22-year-old Denmark international has been strongly linked with an exit, just two years on from joining from Atalanta. Hojlund said on United's pre-season tour that he wants to stay at United, but reports of a potential move to AC Milan persist. 'He is one more option,' Amorim said. 'We will see. We are focused on this game and Rasmus is still our player.' — AFP
