Sky pundit shares intriguing Benjamin Sesko claim ahead of Man United vs Man City
Benjamin Sesko has been backed to show his class for Manchester United in Sunday’s derby clash with Manchester City.
Since Sesko joined Man United from RB Leipzig in the summer, the striker has failed to score in four appearances.
The 22-year-old showed plenty of promise when he notched 21 goals and six assists in 45 appearances for Leipzig last term, but he has struggled to adjust to the English game.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Matt Le Tissier slammed Sesko for stepping up to the penalty spot late on in Man United’s shootout defeat to Grimsby Town last month.
Benjamin Sesko backed to start for Manchester United against Manchester City
In their last game before the international break, Manchester United beat Burnley 3-2 at Old Trafford on 30 August.
Meanwhile, Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount are unavailable for the Red Devils’ trip to the Etihad Stadium on 14 September, courtesy of injury issues.
Consequently, Ruben Amorim may name Sesko in his starting 11 for the first time in the Premier League.
Speaking to Sky Sports News on Friday, 12 September, former Manchester United striker Louis Saha said: “I think so (he will start), yes.
“When you look at such a big fixture, you think that’s a great platform for having without massive pressure on his shoulders.
“You know that you are facing great defenders, and you have qualities.
“You have been bought because of your quality, and this is an opportunity for him to shine, and there is definitely a game where he can try, he can run, and make sure that he can show his quality.
“He’s playing with a bit of expectation, but that’s not the worry of a striker. You need to create chances, you need to be in the right position, and I think he’s shown that in the few games that he’s been involved.
“I can expect great things from him.”
Manchester derby can do wonders for Ruben Amorim and Benjamin Sesko
Man United’s Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby Town made a poor account of both Amorim and Sesko, with the summer signing failing to perform against League Two opponents.
| Manchester United fixtures | Premier League 2025/26 |
| 14/09 | Man City (A) |
| 20/09 | Chelsea (H) |
| 27/09 | Brentford (H) |
The Manchester United boss will now hope that his side can build on the momentum from their recent win over Burnley and defeat their fierce rivals, Man City.
Amorim still has a major point to prove, having guided the Red Devils to 15th in the Premier League last term and a loss to Tottenham in last season’s Europa League final.
Meanwhile, the Old Trafford outfit’s loss to Grimsby has already put a major dent in their hopes of winning silverware this season.
However, the Red Devils can portray themselves as a serious outfit if Sesko can help his side defeat Pep Guardiola’s men at the Etihad Stadium.
Earning two consecutive wins in the Premier League would do wonders for Manchester United’s confidence before facing Chelsea on 20 September.