Alan Shearer says Ruben Amorim ‘paid too much’ for Manchester United signing

England legend and Premier League record goalscorer Alan Shearer has major doubts over Manchester United summer signing Benjamin Sesko.

Sesko has endured a subdued start to his Old Trafford career, scoring just two goals in 12 appearances for the Red Devils.

The Slovenia international was signed from RB Leipzig for £74m to help solve Manchester United’s goalscoring problems and replace misfiring striker Rasmus Hojlund.

Ruben Amorim turned to Sesko after his first-choice target Viktor Gyokeres, who he worked with at Sporting, joined Arsenal in a deal worth £64m.

But Shearer believes Manchester United ‘paid too much’ for Sesko and admits he ‘does not expect huge things’ from the 22-year-old.

‘One player that must do better for United is Benjamin Sesko,’ Shearer told Betfair.

‘They paid 70 odd million for him. That was a lot of money, I know it’s the market but it was too much. He’s had a tough start and I don’t expect huge things from him to be honest.

‘I think he’s a good player but I’m not sure he’s any more than that. He should have scored a couple more goals than he has so far.

‘It’s been a tough start for him, especially considering the money United paid.’

While Sesko is yet to take off at Manchester United, the team as a whole does look drastically improved from last season.

Amorim’s side finished just 15th in the Premier League last season and an encouraging run to the Europa League final was made futile as they lost the showpiece event to 17th-placed Tottenham.

Poor results continued at the start of this campaign but United have enjoyed a promising run since the last international break to climb back into Champions League contention.

‘They’re far from the finished article,’ Shearer said of Manchester United, who return to Premier League action next Monday night against Everton.

‘I still think there’s a lot of work to be done, and I don’t expect them to finish in the top six. Just outside that would still be an improvement given last season.

‘They were miles off it last season, they were terrible, so for them to finish there would be an improvement. But there’s still a lot of work to be done.’

While Shearer has major doubts over Sesko, ex-Manchester United striker Louis Saha is more optimistic about Amorim’s £74m signing.

‘Benjamin Sesko is ready but it’s a learning process and he just came to a new league,’ he told OLBG.

‘This is a new system as well for him but he has quality and is very technical. He can finish, too.

‘I think the chances will come and a few tap-ins will build his confidence as well as big goals against a big team. That would really help. 

‘I think he’s coming on and will be rewarded very soon.’

Sesko’s ability to make an immediate impact for Manchester United will depend on the severity of the injury he suffered during last weekend’s draw with Tottenham.

The striker hobbled off just 30 minutes after coming on as a second-half substitute but United are optimistic the problem is not too serious.

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