Sherwood's Sesko Verdict: 'Nowhere Near' Good Enough, But He's Far From Alone in Man Utd Struggles

Tim Sherwood has delivered a damning assessment of Benjamin Sesko's suitability for Manchester United's starting lineup, though the former Tottenham boss insists the struggling Slovenian is merely symptomatic of a broader malaise at Old Trafford.

Carrick took the interim reins following Ruben Amorim's sacking earlier this month, with Darren Fletcher overseeing two matches before the appointment was confirmed through the end of the season. The new boss made an impressive start, steering United to a 2-0 victory over Manchester City in the derby—Mbeumo and Dorgu getting on the scoresheet—but his team selection raised eyebrows among the punditry.

Notably absent from Carrick's starting XI was Sesko, who found himself relegated to the bench as Mbeumo led the line instead. Meanwhile, Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire's recalls represented the most significant alterations to the side. Sherwood reckons this decision vindicated his own reservations about the forward.

"I've watched Benjamin and understand the adjustment required when switching leagues," Sherwood told OLBG. "He's still developing, but from what I've witnessed, he's struggled with room for improvement still to come. Yes, he bagged a brace in one match and scored again afterwards—that'll do wonders for his confidence."

Yet Sherwood remains unconvinced the player merits regular involvement. "What won't help is the new manager omitting him from the derby, then United delivering their finest performance of the campaign," he continued. "I probably wouldn't select him either based on what I've observed. United possess superior alternatives, though I should stress he's not the only one."

The former Spurs chief expanded on this theme, suggesting United's problems extend far beyond Sesko's shortcomings. "Where do I even begin?" Sherwood reflected. "It's probably simpler naming those I'm confident about. There are numerous United players who shouldn't come close to that starting XI."

Drawing parallels with United's storied past, Sherwood lamented the gulf between yesterday's standards and today's reality. "I'm guilty of dwelling in yesteryear, but I faced some exceptional United sides and strikers—Van Persie, Tevez, Sheringham, Solskjaer, Rooney. Before Sesko, naturally. They had Yorke and Cole too. The conveyor belt was relentless."

He concluded with a wistful observation: "United historically snapped up the Premier League's elite forwards. Unfortunately, those days appear behind us."