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Stephen Warnock opens up on why Ruben Amorim decided to bench Benjamin Sesko against Liverpool at Anfield.
Manchester United are off to a flying start against rivals Liverpool as Bryan Mbeumo has handed them the lead within the first two minutes. Following the early goal, former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock has suggested Ruben Amorim was right to drop summer signing Benjamin Sesko for this all-important fixture.
While speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live at Anfield, Warnock said: “The talk was about Sesko and why he isn’t starting, that’s why. Then Manchester United can get runners in behind.”
The Red Devils broke the bank to sign Sesko in the summer. While they had massive expectations from the Slovenian international, he has failed to hit top gear since moving to Old Trafford. With the 22-year-old struggling to find his feet in the Premier League, Amorim opted against having him in the starting XI against Liverpool.
The decision has surely worked in their favour as they have taken an early lead in the game. Mbuemo, who was involved in a collision with Alexis Mac Allister, was quick to get back to his feet and make a run in behind Virgil van Dijk.
The Dutch international was caught napping as Amad Diallo placed the ball in the Cameroonian international’s path inside the box. Mbeumo kept his cool and lifted it over Giorgi Mamardashvili, who tried to rush out of his goal but fell short.
Amorim decision vindicated
While Liverpool fans won’t be pleased that Michael Oliver didn’t stop the game when Mac Allister was down with a head injury, the goal has stood. Warnock believes Mbeumo’s run in behind is the exact reason why Amorim didn’t start Sesko.
The Slovenian is a world-class forward, but he isn’t particularly known for his off-the-ball runs. The Portuguese manager has other options who are better suited to make runs in behind and exploit the space behind Liverpool’s backline.
