Manchester United manager, Ruben Amorim has defended his decision to delay Benjamin Sesko’s involvement in the penalty shootout during their shock Carabao Cup exit to League Two side Grimsby Town on Wednesday.
United were eliminated after a dramatic 12-11 penalty shootout loss, with Sesko — the club’s £66 million signing — not stepping up until the 11th round.
The decision sparked criticism from former Premier League striker Gabriel Agbonlahor, who branded Sesko a “coward” for not taking responsibility earlier in the shootout. Agbonlahor questioned how a striker of Sesko’s calibre could avoid stepping up in the early stages of such a crucial moment.
However, speaking after United’s 3-2 win over Burnley on Saturday — their first Premier League victory of the season — Amorim clarified the reasoning behind the decision.
“He finished the [Grimsby] game with cramps, really at the limit,” Amorim told Manchester Evening News. “That’s why we protected Ben from the penalties.”
Sesko’s fitness concerns meant Amorim opted to hold him back during the shootout, a decision that has now been publicly addressed in light of mounting scrutiny.
The victory over Burnley also marked Amorim’s seventh win since taking charge of Manchester United in 2024.
