Man Utd in crisis ahead of Boxing Day: Concerns over Sesko and the pressure.
Despite showing positive signs in their playing style under Ruben Amorim, Man Utd remains mired in crisis due to the inconsistency and alarming form of Benjamin Sesko.
The Old Trafford obsession
The 1-2 defeat against Aston Villa wasn't a disaster in terms of gameplay, but it exposed a harsher truth: Manchester United's chronic instability. Despite missing several key players and captain Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Amorim's team still displayed an organized 3-4-3 system, controlling the midfield and creating significant pressure.
However, those positive signs cannot mask the reality on the league table. The biggest problem is not the loss to a top-four team, but rather Manchester United's consistent dropping of points against weaker opponents like West Ham, Everton, and Bournemouth at Old Trafford. With a run of three consecutive home games ending in draws and losses, inconsistency is becoming a chronic problem for the Red Devils.
The attacking dilemma and the silent 'big-name' signing.
The root cause of Manchester United's slump lies in their attack, specifically their expensive signing Benjamin Sesko. While their Premier League rivals have benefited from new strikers, Sesko is struggling. With only two goals in half a season, the Slovenian forward has shown a lack of confidence and has almost lost connection with his teammates.
In the match at Villa Park, Sesko was almost invisible, missing rare opportunities with his lackluster finishing. His ineffectiveness became even more alarming when Bryan Mbeumo, his most reliable partner, had to return to participate in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON). This put coach Amorim in a difficult position, forcing him to continue relying on a striker who was out of form.
Signals from leadership and the academy.
Facing a crisis, coach Amorim affirmed that he would not make panic signings in the January transfer window. "We can't go into January and try to do everything urgently. There, we could make mistakes," he shared. This stance reflects a consensus with the new management, aiming to build a sustainable team rather than costly stopgap solutions.
In a challenging context, young talents from the Carrington academy offer a glimmer of hope. Jack Fletcher, son of former midfielder Darren Fletcher, made a strong impression with his confidence and direct style of play. The shortage of personnel in midfield, evident in the need to move center-back Lisandro Martinez into midfield, also highlights the opportunities awaiting young players like Kobbie Mainoo once he recovers from injury.
There is no longer any excuse for Ruben Amorim.
The biggest pressure on Ruben Amorim comes from an undeniable fact: Man Utd have a favorable fixture list. Not participating in European competitions and being eliminated early from the League Cup have given them more time to rest and prepare tactically than any other Big Six opponent.
If, under such ideal conditions, the team still fails to improve results and establish a consistent playing style, questions will be raised about the manager's competence. The upcoming match against Newcastle on Boxing Day will be a crucial test of Amorim's character and Manchester United's true ambitions this season.
