Paul Parker has spoken to UtdDistrict about Benjamin Sesko’s start to his Manchester United career, commenting on the pressure the price tag had put on him, and comparing the Slovenian to Liverpool’s two new star attackers.
Benjamin Sekso has enjoyed a decent start to life at Manchester United, scoring twice and recording an assist in the Premier League so far.
Fans anticipated a quick start and were overjoyed with the attacking reform implemented by Jason Wilcox and the recruitment team.
Sesko joined Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha in the summer as the Reds continue to build Ruben Amorim’s perfect squad, a parallel to Liverpool, which has done similar after winning the league in the previous season.
Former Red Paul Parker speaks on this in an exclusive interview with UtdDistrict, mentioning the pressure Sesko’s price tag has put on him, and how Liverpool’s underwhelming summer signings have been criticised differently.
Šeško facing undeserved criticism from the media
Speaking exclusively to UtdDistrict, former United defender and current pundit Paul Parker has criticised the approach the media has taken in their judgment of Šeško, comparing his coverage to that of Liverpool’s new star signings, Hugo Ekiteke and Alexander Isak.
Parker mentions how the media have been overly-critical of the 22-year-old Slovenian compared to the two new Liverpool players, and how the £65 million price tag has led to an abundance of pressure.
“We saw how much he cost Manchester United, and everyone’s looking to dig him out, but they’re leaving the two Liverpool strikers alone, who cost over £100 million,” Parker commented.
“They’re being left alone, saying there’s time, and they’re finding excuses. Are they just getting over this? Are they just getting over that? No!”
The former United defender has credibility in this sense, having played under Sir Alex Ferguson, and will undoubtedly know how cruel the media can be to top-level players. At the same time, he’s a player who understands that once you win a league title, you have to repeat the success the following season.
“When you win a league, the following season is even more important because you have to go and win it again,” Parker said.
“You have to come out of the blocks flying. But the one thing you don’t go and do, you don’t unsettle a team by going out and spending so much money.”
United’s recruitment strategy trumps Liverpool’s
The United board has been particular about their recruitment since Amorim arrived at the club. Carefully selecting the type of player to sign and refusing to over-pay in terms of wages and transfer fee.
Arne Slot’s side seemed to have chosen a different strategy. In recent years, Liverpool’s acquisitions to the first team have been exceptional. This includes Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister, a pair who have become a mainstay on Slot’s side.
However, last summer’s signings have been slightly underwhelming so far this season, particularly Isak and Florian Wirtz, who both arrived for a fee in excess of £100 million, and have one league assist between the two.
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This is where United’s transfer strategy has provided an advantage over Liverpool. As all three attackers have been on form at the start of the season, including Sesko.
The club has also spent around £200 million less and significantly decreased the wage bill. These types of acquisitions have provided a stable future for the Reds, as Amorim’s side steps up their pursuit of a European place.
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