Gary Neville - Pundit

[gaffs]

These are the comments under scrutiny:

“I’m no further forward with him,” Neville told NBC Sports of Sesko. “The jury is out. He’s well off it compared to the other summer signings Manchester United made up front, like Cunha and Mbeumo.

“He looks awkward. He had a couple of good opportunities against Forest, but his touch wasn’t quite right. For £80 million, you can say he’s young and settling in, but you still want to see a bit more.”

We'll skip the weird idiom "I'm no further forward with him".

On the next point, Cunha and Mbeumo, ages 26 and 26, have load of PL experience under their belts. These two were plug-and-play footballers, as close to being polished gems as is humanly possible. The past two months were literally (and I mean literally in a literal sense) Sesko's first two months in the PL and he's only 22 years old, nowhere near close to being the polished gem by anyone's timeline. Of course Sesko won't be at the level of Cunha and Mbeumo already. This was a pointlessly stupid comment by the United legend.

Does he "look awkward"? He's tall, but Benjamin Sesko is no Peter Crouch, but considering his 6'5" frame he looks very comfortable on the ball and in fact his holdup play has been outstanding. But beyond that he has actually scored 2 goals so far and come close on a number of other occasions. We're still not delivering the kind of service that a CF needs (true last season as well) but he's carving half-chances into shots that worry a keeper for a moment. But no, he's no RvN just yet.

Yes, you can say he's young -- because guess what, he is! -- and settling in -- because, guess what, he is! -- and yes we do want to see more, there isn't a single United supporter, other than Gary Neville, who has expressed this kind of disappointment in Sesko.

Neville said, the jury is out and it is. Sesko hasn't really impressed so far. Some nice moments, sure, but he doesn't look much of a goal threat, as of yet. His touch was poor - he wasted a big chance on Saturday when failed to control a pinpoint cross from Mbeumo. Does he need to adapt to the league in order to control a ball?

I do agree that mentioning Cunha and Mbeumo is a little unfair. As you say, both are plug and play.

A fairer comparison would be two other big money youngsters in Woltemade and Ekitike, both of similar age and arguably less experienced than Sesko. So it is far to ask why Sesko hasn't settled quite as well. Is it not like Woltemade and Ekitike are playing for teams that are performing particularly well right now.

There are far more harsh criticism of Sesko in his player performance thread...
Benjamin Šeško | 2025/26 Performances
so it it s bit silly to say that there "isn't a single United supporter, other than Gary Neville, who has expressed this kind of disappointment in Sesko".

 

[gaffs]

Also why does he keep quoting £80M. If you are going to slag someone off publicly then at least get the facts correct. But £66M doesn’t have the same impact so I know why he is doing it.

Since when do we not include the add ons when discussing a transfer fee now? He was £74m, including about 8mil of what RB consider to be achievable add ons.

£74m v £80m. Who cares in todays football? He was expensive.

Plus, he was on NBC, so maybe he was doing the currency conversion?

 

[Rodgerzzz]

What exactly are the impact of his words?

Come on mate, you know the scrutiny Man Utd players get on them just by playing for Utd. You really think Neville stirring the pot in the way he has done about one player is completely inconsequential?

 

[lex talionis]

Neville said, the jury is out and it is. Sesko hasn't really impressed so far. Some nice moments, sure, but he doesn't look much of a goal threat, as of yet. His touch was poor - he wasted a big chance on Saturday when failed to control a pinpoint cross from Mbeumo. Does he need to adapt to the league in order to control a ball?

I do agree that mentioning Cunha and Mbeumo is a little unfair. As you say, both are plug and play.

A fairer comparison would be two other big money youngsters in Woltemade and Ekitike, both of similar age and arguably less experienced than Sesko. So it is far to ask why Sesko hasn't settled quite as well. Is it not like Woltemade and Ekitike are playing for teams that are performing particularly well right now.

There are far more harsh criticism of Sesko in his player performance thread...
Benjamin Šeško | 2025/26 Performances
so it it s bit silly to say that there "isn't a single United supporter, other than Gary Neville, who has expressed this kind of disappointment in Sesko".

According to wikipedia, United announced the signing of Benjamin Sesko, who to the best of knowledge had never gone up against a PL side, let alone play for a PL club. I don't have the list of his starts yet, but he was brought on as a sub first and then got a few starts. I don't readily see a website that lists the total number of minutes he has played for United but an AI inquiry generated 586 minutes in 10 games, 6 of which he started.

I'm really struggling with the Neville's ideology that it's not too early to judge whether Sesko will or won't make it in the PL. It's fair to argue that we're not alrady seeing what we would hope be Sesko's peak ability but we're literally only into the 587th minute of Sesko's career at United. And it's not as though United as roaring like a Ferrari through the PL. The squad as a whole has underperformed our modest expectations so far, so much so that Amorim was very likely one more defeat away from an early season sack. But we've started to improve as a squad that nightmare defeat to Brentford and Sesko has been an important part of that resurgence. No, Sesko has not been the main man in the attack, but when you have players like Cunha and Mbeumo, players with loads of experience in the PL, you're going to build the attack through them, not a neophyte.

Neville's attack was unfair and honestly ridiculous. We're not in a situation like Forlan so many years ago or Hojlund last season where match after match the shots on goal didn't come off.

 

[gaffs]

Come on mate, you know the scrutiny Man Utd players get on them just by playing for Utd. You really think Neville stirring the pot in the way he has done about one player is completely inconsequential?

I'll ask again....

What exactly are the impact of his words?

You really think players have his words ringing in his ears when playing?

I think you dont give players enough credit for their mental fortitude. And i think you, and others, put far to much stock in what pundits say. I dont think it makes a jot of difference to how we play.

 

[gaffs]

According to wikipedia, United announced the signing of Benjamin Sesko, who to the best of knowledge had never gone up against a PL side, let alone play for a PL club. I don't have the list of his starts yet, but he was brought on as a sub first and then got a few starts. I don't readily see a website that lists the total number of minutes he has played for United but an AI inquiry generated 586 minutes in 10 games, 6 of which he started.

What point are you trying to make here?

Sesko has played a fair few games in the Champions League against English sides.

You could have probably used you AI program of choice, or even transfermarkt, to see that he has played 28 Champions League games and been to the EUROs with Slovenia. So were not talking about a Hojlund here who was very green when he came to United.

I'm really struggling with the Neville's ideology that it's not too early to judge whether Sesko will or won't make it in the PL.

That fact that he said "the jury is still out" implies that he isn't making a judgement either way.

It's fair to argue that we're not alrady seeing what we would hope be Sesko's peak ability but we're literally only into the 587th minute of Sesko's career at United. And it's not as though United as roaring like a Ferrari through the PL. The squad as a whole has underperformed our modest expectations so far, so much so that Amorim was very likely one more defeat away from an early season sack. But we've started to improve as a squad that nightmare defeat to Brentford and Sesko has been an important part of that resurgence. No, Sesko has not been the main man in the attack, but when you have players like Cunha and Mbeumo, players with loads of experience in the PL, you're going to build the attack through them, not a neophyte.

Neville's attack was unfair and honestly ridiculous. We're not in a situation like Forlan so many years ago or Hojlund last season where match after match the shots on goal didn't come off.

And this is the problem with you and a lot of thin skinned posters on The Caf and in the United fan base. Anything negative that is said and you instantly call it an "attack".

Neville said...

“The jury is out. He’s well off it compared to the other summer signings Manchester United made up front, like Cunha and Mbeumo.

“He looks awkward. He had a couple of good opportunities against Forest, but his touch wasn’t quite right. For £80 million, you can say he’s young and settling in, but you still want to see a bit more.”
What is unfair?

The jury is still out on him.
He is well off it compared to other United signings. Not to mention being well off it compared to Woltemade and Ekitike - a point i made earlier and you ignored.
He does look awkward at times.
He did have a couple of good opportunities against Forest but his touch failed him. You shouldn't need time to adapt to the league in order to make a decent first touch, should you? Woltemade and Ekitike dont have an issue with their touch, it seems.
He is young and settling in.
We do want to see more from him.

 

[CMRobbo7]

What point are you trying to make here?

Sesko has played a fair few games in the Champions League against English sides.

You could have probably used you AI program of choice, or even transfermarkt, to see that he has played 28 Champions League games and been to the EUROs with Slovenia. So were not talking about a Hojlund here who was very green when he came to United.



That fact that he said "the jury is still out" implies that he isn't making a judgement either way.


And this is the problem with you and a lot of thin skinned posters on The Caf and in the United fan base. Anything negative that is said and you instantly call it an "attack".

Neville said...

“The jury is out. He’s well off it compared to the other summer signings Manchester United made up front, like Cunha and Mbeumo.

“He looks awkward. He had a couple of good opportunities against Forest, but his touch wasn’t quite right. For £80 million, you can say he’s young and settling in, but you still want to see a bit more.”
What is unfair?

The jury is still out on him.
He is well off it compared to other United signings. Not to mention being well off it compared to Woltemade and Ekitike - a point i made earlier and you ignored.
He does look awkward at times.
He did have a couple of good opportunities against Forest but his touch failed him. You shouldn't need time to adapt to the league in order to make a decent first touch, should you? Woltemade and Ekitike dont have an issue with their touch, it seems.
He is young and settling in.
We do want to see more from him.

And you think that within five starts, he’d have proven all of that wouldn’t you.

What a waste of money.

 

[Glorio]

What exactly are the impact of his words?

While I suspect no malevolence, being a legend of the club and drawing negative attention to a young player trying to settle in one of the hardest jobs (CF) in one of the most high pressure clubs in world football for 2 consecutive weekends is tactless and irresponsible.

Coming from one of our own (someone he probably sees on the walls around Carrington) can very easily dent his confidence in this media soundbite-fuelled world we live in today.

 

[Scotty Doesn't Know]

His latest comments about the "aging spine" of the team are odd too. We are by every metric a young squad. And we are mid rebuild. And its basically just the midfield 2 and Maguire and Shaw from the players who are getting game time this year. And none of them are really old. Some of these guys, young and old, will hopefully be replced in the next 2 or 3 windows anyway.

Young core: Lammens (23) - Maz (27) - Yoro (19) - De Ligt (26) - Heaven (19) - Dalot (26) - Amad (23) - Dorgu (21) - Mbuemo (26) - Cunha (26) - Sesko (22) - Mount (26) - Zirkzee (24) - Ugarte (24) - Mainoo (20) - Chido Obi (17)

Older Core: Maguire (32) - Bruno (31) - Casemiro (33) - Shaw (30)

Every one of these guys are younger than Van Dijk. And it has always been generally accepted that it is good to have experienced players to nurture the younger ones.

By every metric this is a young squad. Do we need to replace some older players, especially the midfield 2? Yes. But the world and his dog knows that is the plan in the next season. And with no European football, combined with the early exit from the League Cup, the workload is as low as it hopefully ever will be. So it's less of a problem. So yet again, he is talking absolute negative nonsense again when it is just not needed.

Neville might have a point regarding the ageing spine. I saw a stat earlier that 68% of United's available minutes is being played by over 30s.

 

[YikesSchmeics]

Neville might have a point regarding the ageing spine. I saw a stat earlier that 68% of United's available minutes is being played by over 30s.

I'd imagine you read that wrong and that it was under 30 because 36.36% is the maximum possible percentage of minutes that can be played by over-30 players ion the United squad assuming all 4 of them played every minute, which they haven't.

 

[gaffs]

And you think that within five starts, he’d have proven all of that wouldn’t you.

What a waste of money.

No one is saying he is a waste of money though. Neville said the jury is still out, and it very much is.

 

[gaffs]

While I suspect no malevolence, being a legend of the club and drawing negative attention to a young player trying to settle in one of the hardest jobs (CF) in one of the most high pressure clubs in world football for 2 consecutive weekends is tactless and irresponsible.

Coming from one of our own (someone he probably sees on the walls around Carrington) can very easily dent his confidence in this media soundbite-fuelled world we live in today.

Does it dent his confidence though?

I think fans must think these players, who have played hundreds of professional games, in front of huge crowds, and in the case of Sesko, has played 28 CL games and been to the Euros, must be so mentally weak that a slightly negative comment would "easily dent his confidence".

Maybe you think it would dent his conficene because you project how it would make you feel. But you aint a pro with his kind of experience. And nor am I.

It is water off a duck's back for top players - somedays they lap up the praise, some days they take the critisism. Sesko will know himself that was a poor performance.

And that is if they even hear it at all. And if they do take it to heart and it does impact them, then obviously they don't have the fortitude required to play for MUFC.

 

[Glorio]

Does it dent his confidence though?

I think fans must think these players, who have played hundreds of professional games, in front of huge crowds, and in the case of Sesko, has played 28 CL games and been to the Euros, must be so mentally weak that a slightly negative comment would "easily dent his confidence".

Maybe you think it would dent his conficene because you project how it would make you feel. But you aint a pro with his kind of experience. And nor am I.

It is water off a duck's back for top players - somedays they lap up the praise, some days they take the critisism. Sesko will know himself that was a poor performance.

And that is if they even hear it at all. And if they do take it to heart and it does impact them, then obviously they don't have the fortitude required to play for MUFC.

No you're not - what we both are happens to be human. You're entitled to your assumption but Amorim have said the players are affected so I know who to believe. Folks seem to forget these are very young adults. Barely older than teenagers, trying to adjust in a high pressure environment.

For someone like Nev with such a huge platform to single the kid out for 2 consecutive weeks, and that's someone who was a captain of the club he plays for, it would be extremely difficult not to feel even more pressured. They're not robots - if the massively esteemed VVD threw a hissy fit at Rooney (if there was ever an oppo pundit to a Liverpool captain) for digging him out on a podcast, it's more than reasonable to expect greener players to be affected by being dug out by legends of their own club.

 

[Posh Red]

Does it dent his confidence though?

I think fans must think these players, who have played hundreds of professional games, in front of huge crowds, and in the case of Sesko, has played 28 CL games and been to the Euros, must be so mentally weak that a slightly negative comment would "easily dent his confidence".

Maybe you think it would dent his conficene because you project how it would make you feel. But you aint a pro with his kind of experience. And nor am I.

It is water off a duck's back for top players - somedays they lap up the praise, some days they take the critisism. Sesko will know himself that was a poor performance.

And that is if they even hear it at all. And if they do take it to heart and it does impact them, then obviously they don't have the fortitude required to play for MUFC.

A guy that’s barely twenty years old and you assume a club legend with the biggest platform in British football slating you to the entire nation can’t affect your confidence? Not sure how you can make such an assumption.

 

[lex talionis]

What point are you trying to make here?

Sesko has played a fair few games in the Champions League against English sides.

You could have probably used you AI program of choice, or even transfermarkt, to see that he has played 28 Champions League games and been to the EUROs with Slovenia. So were not talking about a Hojlund here who was very green when he came to United.



That fact that he said "the jury is still out" implies that he isn't making a judgement either way.


And this is the problem with you and a lot of thin skinned posters on The Caf and in the United fan base. Anything negative that is said and you instantly call it an "attack".

Neville said...

“The jury is out. He’s well off it compared to the other summer signings Manchester United made up front, like Cunha and Mbeumo.

“He looks awkward. He had a couple of good opportunities against Forest, but his touch wasn’t quite right. For £80 million, you can say he’s young and settling in, but you still want to see a bit more.”
What is unfair?

The jury is still out on him.
He is well off it compared to other United signings. Not to mention being well off it compared to Woltemade and Ekitike - a point i made earlier and you ignored.
He does look awkward at times.
He did have a couple of good opportunities against Forest but his touch failed him. You shouldn't need time to adapt to the league in order to make a decent first touch, should you? Woltemade and Ekitike dont have an issue with their touch, it seems.
He is young and settling in.
We do want to see more from him.

The grind of Premier League football is a different beast altogether from what you see in group play in the Champions League. Europe has more romance, but the PL is the hardest league on the planet to compete in.

Sesko was dropped into a situation, as I mentioned before, where the club was in such turmoil that it nearly sacked its coach in October. I have no actual proof that Amorim was close to being sacked, but I think every single one of us know that he was one bad result away from an early season sack. You might reply that that has nothing to do with Sesko, but it actually has everything to do with Sesko.

And even now, it's still only November 5. It is way too early to come to any conclusions whether Sesko can or can't cut it at United. Bruno has been well off it for most of this season, Casemiro has taken a beating from supporters until the last few games, Dalot has been with United forever and his performances have been dire, yet Neville aims his gun at Sesko, who literally arrived at Carrington in August? Why is this even a conversation?

As for Woltemade and Ekitike, I make no judgments about them. That's for Newcastle supporters, not for us. But if we're going to obsess over Woltemade, are we really going to give up on Sesko and lament that we should have gone in for Woltemade...or Ekitike? If so, we might as hold our hands up and admit that we're all plasticos.

What else did you argue? Oh yes, that you shouldn't need time to adapt to a new league. I don't know what to say about that, except to say that it's widely understood that new players in the PL often do need time to adapt to the intensity of the PL. Some slot right in, like Mazraoui, and I would add Lammens, but others need time. An example that comes to mind is Thierry Henry. I'm not suggesting that Sesko is the next Henry, but if Henry needed time to adapt to the PL -- and history records that we adapted fantastically -- it's not out of order to suggest that Sesko needs time as well. At least a little more time than two months before we trash him.

My quarrel isn't with you, but it is with Gary Neville who has gone out of his way to trash a United player who is performing at the level we reasonably expected after two months -- nobody expected him be the next Ruud right out of the gate. Not scoring 1 in every 2 games, but scoring a few goals and making himself useful in buildup play, where his first touch, as well as second and third, are actually very good. The squad has weathered the early season storm and is starting to play some decent football now. Neville needs to stop acting so neutral and call it like it is, not how anti-United listeners of his comments want him to act.

 

[Cantonagotmehere]

While I suspect no malevolence, being a legend of the club and drawing negative attention to a young player trying to settle in one of the hardest jobs (CF) in one of the most high pressure clubs in world football for 2 consecutive weekends is tactless and irresponsible.

Coming from one of our own (someone he probably sees on the walls around Carrington) can very easily dent his confidence in this media soundbite-fuelled world we live in today.

Well said. I really don't get why Neville would say this.

 

[daba]

What point are you trying to make here?

Sesko has played a fair few games in the Champions League against English sides.

You could have probably used you AI program of choice, or even transfermarkt, to see that he has played 28 Champions League games and been to the EUROs with Slovenia. So were not talking about a Hojlund here who was very green when he came to United.



That fact that he said "the jury is still out" implies that he isn't making a judgement either way.


And this is the problem with you and a lot of thin skinned posters on The Caf and in the United fan base. Anything negative that is said and you instantly call it an "attack".

Neville said...

“The jury is out. He’s well off it compared to the other summer signings Manchester United made up front, like Cunha and Mbeumo.

“He looks awkward. He had a couple of good opportunities against Forest, but his touch wasn’t quite right. For £80 million, you can say he’s young and settling in, but you still want to see a bit more.”
What is unfair?

The jury is still out on him.
He is well off it compared to other United signings. Not to mention being well off it compared to Woltemade and Ekitike - a point i made earlier and you ignored.
He does look awkward at times.
He did have a couple of good opportunities against Forest but his touch failed him. You shouldn't need time to adapt to the league in order to make a decent first touch, should you? Woltemade and Ekitike dont have an issue with their touch, it seems.
He is young and settling in.
We do want to see more from him.

I agree his words aren’t inaccurate, however his jibes at Šeško during and after the Brighton game weren’t really necessary based on his and the team’s performance. At Forest he was more evidentially “off it” but it still begs the question of why is he taking every opportunity to dig him out.

You could argue that Carragher has been fairly strong with his comments on Wirtz but I don’t think it’s quite the same. Wirtz’s output at Leverkusen, his transfer fee, the fact hasn’t got a goal or assist yet, the fact that Liverpool as a team are struggling relative to expectations - it’s right that Wirtz among others are questioned.

Comparatively, right now we’re doing relatively well against expectations, and it just feels like Neville is throwing negativity around unnecessarily. As a Utd fan it feels strange he can’t see how his choice of words probably aren’t helping Šeško’s confidence. Why couldn’t he say something like the below after the Brighton game instead?

“Out of Utd’s attacking signings this summer, Šeško feels like the one that hasn’t quite got firing just yet. He’s grabbed a couple of good goals already and got a nice assist today which should help build his confidence. In moments his touch and hold up play has been a bit awkward but other times it has been excellent, so hopefully as the season goes on we can see that part of his game shine more consistently. He does need to start taking more of his chances when he gets them, but if Utd can get him up to the same levels of performance as Cunha and Mbeumo on a consistent basis then as a front 3 they will cause any team in this league problems”.

Critical and fair but at the same time giving positive encouragement to your club’s new young striker.

 

[Puskas_007]

I always put it down to the players that played when we were really successful putting the current players under the same scrutiny they applied to themselves, the problem being that at the time they came through the club was all pulling in the same direction (compared to the sh**show of the last 13 years) and they came into a successful team which was performing consistently and had leaders all over the place (Bruce / Robson / Cantona / Ince / Schmeichel / Keane etc) - by comparison, the current players are being asked to do a job comparable to Bruce Pallister Irwin etc in lifting the squad to a point where it could compete and become consistent, so the scrutiny is unfair...

 

[gaffs]

A guy that’s barely twenty years old and you assume a club legend with the biggest platform in British football slating you to the entire nation can’t affect your confidence? Not sure how you can make such an assumption.

He is not "slating" him though, is he?

He is telling the objective truth. He hasnt hit the ground running, where other new signings at United, or other young players of similar value/experience have. His touch was poor on Saturday and the jury is out.

Is that a slating?

I agree his words aren’t inaccurate, however his jibes at Šeško during and after the Brighton game weren’t really necessary based on his and the team’s performance. At Forest he was more evidentially “off it” but it still begs the question of why is he taking every opportunity to dig him out.

If the words are not inaccurate, then why do you see them as "jibes" ?

 

[gaffs]

The grind of Premier League football is a different beast altogether from what you see in group play in the Champions League. Europe has more romance, but the PL is the hardest league on the planet to compete in.

Sesko was dropped into a situation, as I mentioned before, where the club was in such turmoil that it nearly sacked its coach in October. I have no actual proof that Amorim was close to being sacked, but I think every single one of us know that he was one bad result away from an early season sack. You might reply that that has nothing to do with Sesko, but it actually has everything to do with Sesko.

I brought up the fact that he had played against English clubs in the CL because you had stated that he hadn't.

You are talking like Sesko is completely wet behind the ears. 200+ professional league games, 28 CL games and a EUROs where he team reached the knockouts. Yet you, and others, are talking like he is a 16 year old, Chido Obi type player.

And even now, it's still only November 5. It is way too early to come to any conclusions whether Sesko can or can't cut it at United.
Sesko, but it actually has everything to do with Sesko.

No one is making conclusions though, are they? When Neville says "the jury is out" that is the definition of not making a conclusion.

Yet, you are making out like Neville is writing him off.

Bruno has been well off it for most of this season, Casemiro has taken a beating from supporters until the last few games, Dalot has been with United forever and his performances have been dire, yet Neville aims his gun at Sesko, who literally arrived at Carrington in August? Why is this even a conversation?

We have seen more than enough of Casemiro, Bruno and Dalot to have formed an opinion. We knew what we are getting from the, good or bad. And we know, new players are always going to get the focus.

Lets also remember, Gary was asked specifically by Rebecca Lowe about how Sesko was today. He wasn't asked about Casemiro, Bruno or anyone else.

As for Woltemade and Ekitike, I make no judgments about them. That's for Newcastle supporters, not for us. But if we're going to obsess over Woltemade, are we really going to give up on Sesko and lament that we should have gone in for Woltemade...or Ekitike? If so, we might as hold our hands up and admit that we're all plasticos.

Oh, we don't make comments on players of other teams? So, in your 17k+ posts on The Caf, you have not made any judgements on any player outside of MUFC? Dont make me use the search function.

My point re Woltemade and Ekitike is they have made real impacts and impressed so far. So why can't Sesko have done the same?

What else did you argue? Oh yes, that you shouldn't need time to adapt to a new league. I don't know what to say about that, except to say that it's widely understood that new players in the PL often do need time to adapt to the intensity of the PL. Some slot right in, like Mazraoui, and I would add Lammens, but others need time. An example that comes to mind is Thierry Henry. I'm not suggesting that Sesko is the next Henry, but if Henry needed time to adapt to the PL -- and history records that we adapted fantastically -- it's not out of order to suggest that Sesko needs time as well. At least a little more time than two months before we trash him.

If you are to quote me, ensure you use the full sentence, which was.....
"You shouldn't need time to adapt to the league in order to make a decent first touch"

Neville said Sesko's touch was off on Saturday, which it was. When his touch led to a wasted opportunity from the great cross from Mbeumo, are you putting that down to him needing "time to adapt" ? Did he not receive crosses in the Bundesliga?

I understand there are elements to the Premier League which may need time to adapt to - pace, physicality etc. But you cant put every mistake a player makes down to him "needing time to adapt".

My quarrel isn't with you, but it is with Gary Neville who has gone out of his way to trash a United player who is performing at the level we reasonably expected after two months -- nobody expected him be the next Ruud right out of the gate. Not scoring 1 in every 2 games, but scoring a few goals and making himself useful in buildup play, where his first touch, as well as second and third, are actually very good. The squad has weathered the early season storm and is starting to play some decent football now. Neville needs to stop acting so neutral and call it like it is, not how anti-United listeners of his comments want him to act.

My quarrel is with you and others who are so thin skinned that any comment that is negative towards a player or the club is seen as "trashing" or someone "going out of their way"

He was asked the question about Sesko and nothing he said was untrue or harsh. So he certainly didn't "go out of his way to trash him". Im not even sure that most here have even seen the clip.

You are asking Neville to "call it like it is". In my mind, he is doing exactly that.

 

[M Bison]

I brought up the fact that he had played against English clubs in the CL because you had stated that he hadn't.

You are talking like Sesko is completely wet behind the ears. 200+ professional league games, 28 CL games and a EUROs where he team reached the knockouts. Yet you, and others, are talking like he is a 16 year old, Chido Obi type player.



No one is making conclusions though, are they? When Neville says "the jury is out" that is the definition of not making a conclusion.

Yet, you are making out like Neville is writing him off.



We have seen more than enough of Casemiro, Bruno and Dalot to have formed an opinion. We knew what we are getting from the, good or bad. And we know, new players are always going to get the focus.

Lets also remember, Gary was asked specifically by Rebecca Lowe about how Sesko was today. He wasn't asked about Casemiro, Bruno or anyone else.



Oh, we don't make comments on players of other teams? So, in your 17k+ posts on The Caf, you have not made any judgements on any player outside of MUFC? Dont make me use the search function.

My point re Woltemade and Ekitike is they have made real impacts and impressed so far. So why can't Sesko have done the same?



If you are to quote me, ensure you use the full sentence, which was.....
"You shouldn't need time to adapt to the league in order to make a decent first touch"

Neville said Sesko's touch was off on Saturday, which it was. When his touch led to a wasted opportunity from the great cross from Mbeumo, are you putting that down to him needing "time to adapt" ? Did he not receive crosses in the Bundesliga?

I understand there are elements to the Premier League which may need time to adapt to - pace, physicality etc. But you cant put every mistake a player makes down to him "needing time to adapt".



My quarrel is with you and others who are so thin skinned that any comment that is negative towards a player or the club is seen as "trashing" or someone "going out of their way"

He was asked the question about Sesko and nothing he said was untrue or harsh. So he certainly didn't "go out of his way to trash him". Im not even sure that most here have even seen the clip.

You are asking Neville to "call it like it is". In my mind, he is doing exactly that.

Fantastic replies, agree on each point.

 

[lex talionis]

I brought up the fact that he had played against English clubs in the CL because you had stated that he hadn't.

You are talking like Sesko is completely wet behind the ears. 200+ professional league games, 28 CL games and a EUROs where he team reached the knockouts. Yet you, and others, are talking like he is a 16 year old, Chido Obi type player.



No one is making conclusions though, are they? When Neville says "the jury is out" that is the definition of not making a conclusion.

Yet, you are making out like Neville is writing him off.



We have seen more than enough of Casemiro, Bruno and Dalot to have formed an opinion. We knew what we are getting from the, good or bad. And we know, new players are always going to get the focus.

Lets also remember, Gary was asked specifically by Rebecca Lowe about how Sesko was today. He wasn't asked about Casemiro, Bruno or anyone else.



Oh, we don't make comments on players of other teams? So, in your 17k+ posts on The Caf, you have not made any judgements on any player outside of MUFC? Dont make me use the search function.

My point re Woltemade and Ekitike is they have made real impacts and impressed so far. So why can't Sesko have done the same?



If you are to quote me, ensure you use the full sentence, which was.....
"You shouldn't need time to adapt to the league in order to make a decent first touch"

Neville said Sesko's touch was off on Saturday, which it was. When his touch led to a wasted opportunity from the great cross from Mbeumo, are you putting that down to him needing "time to adapt" ? Did he not receive crosses in the Bundesliga?

I understand there are elements to the Premier League which may need time to adapt to - pace, physicality etc. But you cant put every mistake a player makes down to him "needing time to adapt".



My quarrel is with you and others who are so thin skinned that any comment that is negative towards a player or the club is seen as "trashing" or someone "going out of their way"

He was asked the question about Sesko and nothing he said was untrue or harsh. So he certainly didn't "go out of his way to trash him". Im not even sure that most here have even seen the clip.

You are asking Neville to "call it like it is". In my mind, he is doing exactly that.

I replied by asserting, admittedly as a matter of opinion and not of provable fact, that the grind of the PL -- a league in which you play English clubs (and sometimes Welsh clubs, though not lately) every fixture -- is a different beast altogether than the CL. Even going up against clubs like Forest and Wolves is physically demanding beyond anything you see in La Liga, the Bundesliga and the Champions League. We have seen a lot of players who killed it in other leagues needing time to adapt to the intensity of every match in the PL, whether the opponent is Forest or Wolves.

This point is the bottom line as to why Neville was out of line. Except for players who have already proven their worth in the PL, such as Mbeumo and Cunha, should we never expect, let alone demand, that a new player from another league kill it in the PL out of the gate. And especially given that the club we're talking about is Manchester United (not Forest or Wolves) where expectations are exceedingly high, the scrutiny is beyond belief (more than Liverpool and more than Arsenal by miles) and every opponent we face is playing in their de facto cup final.

I don't think you would have argued that Neville argued, so we're good, and if all Neville said was that Sesko has nowhere near hit his peak and just needs time to adapt to the PL that would have been a common sense observation and there would be nothing to debate.

 

[gaffs]

I replied by asserting, admittedly as a matter of opinion and not of provable fact, that the grind of the PL -- a league in which you play English clubs (and sometimes Welsh clubs, though not lately) every fixture -- is a different beast altogether than the CL. Even going up against clubs like Forest and Wolves is physically demanding beyond anything you see in La Liga, the Bundesliga and the Champions League. We have seen a lot of players who killed it in other leagues needing time to adapt to the intensity of every match in the PL, whether the opponent is Forest or Wolves.

Of course the Premier League is a challenge, but as is the Champions League. Isn't the challenge just as diverse there? Especially given Sesko was playing for RB, against generally superior teams.

Does it look like it's the physically and intensity that Sesko is struggling with? He was just sloppy with his touch and poor with his decision making on Saturday.

This point is the bottom line as to why Neville was out of line. Except for players who have already proven their worth in the PL, such as Mbeumo and Cunha, should we never expect, let alone demand, that a new player from another league kill it in the PL out of the gate. And especially given that the club we're talking about is Manchester United (not Forest or Wolves) where expectations are exceedingly high, the scrutiny is beyond belief (more than Liverpool and more than Arsenal by miles) and every opponent we face is playing in their de facto cup final.

Have you actually seen the video? I would suggest you watch it, with the question from Rebecca beforehand. You're blowing it up to be some sort of damming character assassination when he is in fact saying that Sesko is simply just off the pace right now in comparison to Cunha and Mbeumo, who of course will have a much shorter adoption time. Though just because he is younger and hasn't player 100+ games in the PL, like Cunha and Mbeumo, it doesn't mean he should also be excused from being a non factor in a game.

Hardly "out of line", is it?

Its the hyperbole that gets me. You say "out of line" or this fella, who thinks Gary "ripped Sesko to shreds"....

RIPS Man Utd player to SHREDS

I don't think you would have argued that Neville argued, so we're good, and if all Neville said was that Sesko has nowhere near hit his peak and just needs time to adapt to the PL that would have been a common sense observation and there would be nothing to debate.

I would agree 100% with what Neville said and as do many on the Sesko Player Performance thread. Sure, he could have provided mitigating factors, but its punditry, he has 15 seconds to make a point. And as i said before, poor touch has nothing to do with adapting to the PL.

 

[beck7]

Wtf is with this ‘he looks awkward’ thing. Is this because he is tall?

With Neville, it is not just sesko but his commentary on United vs how he does the same thing with the likes of arsenal, Liverpool and other rivals.

 

[Cantonagotmehere]

Wtf is with this ‘he looks awkward’ thing. Is this because he is tall?

With Neville, it is not just sesko but his commentary on United vs how he does the same thing with the likes of arsenal, Liverpool and other rivals.

His footwork and touch looks great. I am very excited about Sesko so far. More and more goals will come and I enjoy his overall play. The front 3 with having Mount and Amad who can slide up there is a good sign for the future.

 

[RuudTom83]

For me the criticism just seems to have all come at once, as if the football pundits and naff journalist have decided Sesko is the target.

Not Wirtz, not Isak, not anyone from City or Arsenal…to find fault with Sesko just seems to be a stretch when compared to other far easier targets.

Also United finished 15th, to be anywhere near the Top 4 after 10 games is huge progress…but that isn’t gonna please the masses.

I stopped being a fan of G.Nev a long time ago, the version of himself I see on Sky Sports just irritates me. So I watch a different channel whenever possible.

 

[Denis' cuff]

Annoyed at myself for clicking on this thread knowing it will be more Neville click bait. That’s his job. Being an attention seeking prick.

 

[The Firestarter]

For me the criticism just seems to have all come at once, as if the football pundits and naff journalist have decided Sesko is the target.

Not Wirtz, not Isak, not anyone from City or Arsenal…to find fault with Sesko just seems to be a stretch when compared to other far easier targets.

Also United finished 15th, to be anywhere near the Top 4 after 10 games is huge progress…but that isn’t gonna please the masses.

I stopped being a fan of G.Nev a long time ago, the version of himself I see on Sky Sports just irritates me. So I watch a different channel whenever possible.

Piling on Sesko in a universe where Wirtz exists. Another obnoxious ABU driven agenda.

 

[IRELANDUNITED]

Look at the way Carragher uses his media platform to drive the narrative as much as he can in favour of Liverpool, I know he’s a bit simple and he’s not all there but when it comes to benefiting Liverpool he knows exactly what he’s doing.

Why can’t the likes of Neville and Scholes do the same? I don’t understand it. And unlike Carragher they are actually fans of the club they played for or at least they’re supposed to be. It’s odd.

 

[portrushred]

Look at the way Carragher uses his media platform to drive the narrative as much as he can in favour of Liverpool, I know he’s a bit simple and he’s not all there but when it comes to benefiting Liverpool he knows exactly what he’s doing.

Why can’t the likes of Neville and Scholes do the same? I don’t understand it. And unlike Carragher they are actually fans of the club they played for or at least they’re supposed to be. It’s odd.

Because Neville and Scholes have standards that won them multiple leagues. The club havnt come close to those standards in over a decade.

 

[thisisnottaken1]

Look at the way Carragher uses his media platform to drive the narrative as much as he can in favour of Liverpool, I know he’s a bit simple and he’s not all there but when it comes to benefiting Liverpool he knows exactly what he’s doing.

Why can’t the likes of Neville and Scholes do the same? I don’t understand it. And unlike Carragher they are actually fans of the club they played for or at least they’re supposed to be. It’s odd.

Exactly! I’m fed up of our ex players trying so hard to seem unbiased. It’s stupid.

 

[Zoo]

Because of Neville “80 million pound man Sesko” was one of the stories on Sky Sports News with Rob Green and Steve Sidwell chipping in with their views to keep the story churning. He knows exactly what he’s doing and has been at it for years now. Jaap Stam said it best when it comes to him and his brother

 

[Bondi77]

No one is saying he is a waste of money though. Neville said the jury is still out, and it very much is.

Can the jury come in and go back out again?
Because it won't take long for Neville to change his opinion.

 

[nuanced]

So much outrage and persecution talk in here, feels like I'm at the Republican National Cryvention.

People saying Neville needs to do this to stay "relevant" are having a laugh. Him and Carragher have the best job security for the foreseeable future.

 

[McTerminator]

Since when do we not include the add ons when discussing a transfer fee now? He was £74m, including about 8mil of what RB consider to be achievable add ons.

£74m v £80m. Who cares in todays football? He was expensive.

Plus, he was on NBC, so maybe he was doing the currency conversion?

Well if the argument is that he’s rubbish (which is the jist of Gary’s comments) then I think it’s fair to suggest the add-ons won’t be achieved and the poster quoting the up front fee has a point in the context.

That aside, £74m has a very different feel to £80m and Gary knows exactly what he’s doing.

The coach has even come out and discussed how these comments have impacted Sesko, which happens to so many of our signings it’s untrue.

Admittedly, I’m biased against Gary because I’m sick of how he comes across in commentary. I know he loves the club but he doesn’t sound like it and he just annoying to listen to.

 

[OldSchoolManc]

If I hear him say ‘ohhhhhhh’ about an innocuous United tackle one more time, I swear!

 

[FrankDrebin]

I imagine he's the co-commentator today.

 

[CMRobbo7]

There’s now multiple articles on Sesko and the manager has had to answer questions on him all as a direct result of this weasel.

 

[Kelly15]

There’s now multiple articles on Sesko and the manager has had to answer questions on him all as a direct result of this weasel.

I think Gary knew what he was doing by saying what he did. Best way to stay relevant. Bash United. His analysis is so lazy. Its been nice to see some call him out in his crap. To me Gary is spineless.

 

[Berbasbullet]

I imagine he's the co-commentator today.

No it’s not Sky