EPL: Ruben Amorim Explains Why Benjamin Sesko Was Not Allowed to Take Penalty Against Grimsby Town

Manchester United head coach, Ruben Amorim, has shared the real reason behind his decision not to include star striker Benjamin Sesko among the early penalty takers during their Carabao Cup exit to Grimsby Town in midweek.

The Red Devils suffered a shocking defeat to the League Two side after a dramatic 12-11 penalty shootout loss on Wednesday, which knocked them out of the competition. Despite being signed for a massive £66 million transfer fee, Sesko was only seen stepping up during the 11th spot-kick, which raised eyebrows among fans and pundits.

One of the strongest criticisms came from Gabriel Agbonlahor, a former Aston Villa forward, who harshly described the Slovenian striker as a “coward.” According to him, a forward of Sesko’s quality and price tag should not have avoided taking responsibility earlier in the shootout, especially in a game of such magnitude against a lower-league side.

However, Amorim cleared the air in his post-match reaction after United’s weekend victory over Burnley. Speaking to Manchester Evening News, the Portuguese tactician explained that Sesko had to be kept out of the first set of penalty takers due to physical limitations.

“He ended the Grimsby game with cramps and was really at the limit. That’s why we protected Ben from the penalties,” Amorim stated.

Following that disappointment, Manchester United bounced back strongly on Saturday with a thrilling 3-2 win against Burnley at Old Trafford. The victory not only marked their first league win of the season but also gave Amorim his 7th win since taking charge of the Red Devils in 2024.

This decision highlights Amorim’s man-management style, prioritizing the fitness and confidence of his key players even during tense situations. While fans may question his choices, the manager’s explanation shows that protecting a player’s health sometimes outweighs public perception.