Manchester United supporters were left furious on social media after Ruben Amorim once again decided to leave new signing Benjamin Sesko out of his starting lineup for the Premier League clash against Burnley at Old Trafford on Saturday, August 30.
United’s XI saw Altay Bayindir retain his place in goal, shielded by a backline of Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw, and Amad Diallo. In midfield, Casemiro partnered Bruno Fernandes, while Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Mason Mount led the attack.
Despite being signed earlier this month from RB Leipzig for a hefty €76.5 million fee, Sesko has yet to make a Premier League start. Amorim has instead persisted with Mount operating as a false nine – a gamble that hasn’t paid off so far, with the Englishman still searching for his first goal involvement of the season.
Unsurprisingly, the decision to leave Sesko benched sparked outrage among fans. One supporter even went as far as suggesting Amorim’s job was already hanging by a thread:
“No Sesko no Dorgu, Amorim is getting sacked tonight.”
Another questioned the logic behind the transfer:
“Why buy Sesko if he doesn’t play? I really like Ruben but he is being too stubborn!”
Other frustrated supporters echoed the same concerns:
“NO SESKO!!! WHAT’S WRONG WITH AMORIM! I WANNA SEE HIM COME ON 45’.” “This coach digs his own grave. No Sesko, no Zirkzee.” “Sesko on the bench again… sack him now. How do you even defend him?” “Why exactly did we sign Sesko? Unbelievable from the coach.”
Chris Sutton delivers his verdict on United vs Burnley
Meanwhile, BBC Sport pundit Chris Sutton has given his prediction for the match, backing United to edge out Burnley with a narrow 1-0 win. However, he admitted he wouldn’t be shocked if the visitors pulled off a surprise at Old Trafford.
Sutton pointed to United’s poor form under Amorim, which has seen them lose 1-0 to Arsenal, draw 1-1 with Fulham, and suffer an embarrassing EFL Cup exit to League Two side Grimsby Town earlier this week.
Writing for BBC Sport, Sutton said:
“I haven’t got a clue with this one, nothing would surprise me. I don’t think there’ll be a lot of goals in this game, but surely Manchester United need to bounce back with some kind of statement?
It’s a bad week for United. They were played off the park by Grimsby in the first half and were ultimately humiliated. I know Ruben Amorim made eight changes but he threw the big guns on in the end and you don’t know what sort of impact that loss will have across the club.”
He added:
“After Grimsby, I think Amorim is under huge pressure. Burnley will be stubborn and resolute, and they do carry an attacking threat. Will Manchester United find a way? Something’s telling me to pick United to win but I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if Burnley embarrassed them.”
Despite their struggles, history favors United in this fixture. The Red Devils have lost just one of their last 25 home meetings with Burnley across all competitions, winning 15 and drawing nine.
