Agbonlahor Calls Out Benjamin Šeško Over Carabao Cup Penalty Incident

Former Aston Villa forward, Gabriel Agbonlahor, has openly criticized Manchester United’s summer signing, Benjamin Šeško, labeling him a “coward” for avoiding an early penalty responsibility during the Carabao Cup second-round clash against Grimsby Town.

The Red Devils shockingly crashed out of the competition after a dramatic penalty shootout against the League Two side on Wednesday night. Despite United being strong favorites, they were forced into a 2-2 draw before eventually losing 12-11 in penalties.

Šeško, who recently joined Manchester United from Bundesliga club RB Leipzig in a high-profile £74 million transfer, came under scrutiny after delaying his turn in the penalty shootout. Instead of stepping up early, the Slovenian striker waited until the tenth spot — just before the goalkeeper — to take his kick, which he did eventually convert.

Agbonlahor, speaking on talkSPORT, expressed disappointment at Šeško’s approach, insisting that a marquee striker should be leading by example in such high-pressure moments rather than letting defenders step up before him.

“Your star striker was probably waiting for the Manchester United groundsman to arrive at Grimsby and take the penalty,” Agbonlahor mocked. “He was 10th in line before the keeper. How can your star striker allow all the defenders to take a penalty before stepping up? That, to me, shows he’s a coward.”

Manchester United’s elimination was made worse by other missed opportunities in the shootout. New signing Cunha saw his penalty saved, while Bryan Mbeumo also failed to convert his second effort. Despite having control earlier in the match with a two-goal lead, United’s collapse allowed Grimsby Town to level and force the game into the shootout that ultimately sealed their exit.

Šeško’s decision has sparked debate among fans and pundits, raising questions about his mentality under pressure. With a transfer fee as significant as £74 million, the expectations on him are extremely high. Critics argue that such a price tag demands leadership and confidence during crucial moments, something Agbonlahor believes the 20-year-old striker failed to demonstrate.

For Manchester United, the defeat adds further pressure on the team and head coach Ruben Amorim, whose side continues to face scrutiny after inconsistent performances this season. Supporters are now questioning whether Šeško can deliver the big-game presence required at Old Trafford, or whether his hesitancy is a sign of deeper challenges adapting to English football.