Manchester United’s Carabao Cup exit to Grimsby has left fans furious, but it’s Benjamin Sesko who’s really in the spotlight! After taking the 10th penalty, ex-pro Gabriel Agbonlahor didn’t hold back, branding him a ‘coward’. Was it a moment of lacking character or just a tactical blunder? What do you think?

Manchester United endured one of their most humiliating defeats in recent memory, crashing out of the Carabao Cup against fourth-tier side Grimsby Town following a tense penalty shootout. This historic loss, marking the first time the Red Devils have been eliminated from the League Cup by a team from the fourth tier, sent shockwaves through the football world and left the Old Trafford faithful reeling in disbelief. Amidst the immediate post-match hysteria, one player, in particular, became the focal point of intense scrutiny and fan anger: striker Benjamin Sesko.

The circumstances surrounding the defeat were exacerbated by the sheer unexpectedness of the result. For a club of Manchester United’s stature, a loss to Grimsby Town in any competition is almost unthinkable, especially given the talent disparities between the two sides. The penalty shootout itself was fraught with tension, but it was the perceived lack of leadership and responsibility from certain individuals that ignited the fury of supporters and pundits alike.

Online platforms, notably X (formerly Twitter), became a hotbed of passionate debate and scathing criticism directed at Benjamin Sesko. Fans questioned the tactical decision-making and the striker’s role in the dramatic conclusion of the match. The sentiment was clear: a player of his calibre, a significant investment for the club, should have stepped up earlier in the penalty sequence rather than waiting for others.

One fan’s tweet perfectly encapsulated the widespread frustration, stating, “Benjamin Sesko going 10th in a penalty shootout vs League Two opposition has to be a major red flag for a £70m centre-forward.” Another added, “That’s pathetic from Benjamin Sesko. You’re the number 9 for Manchester United and you take the 10th penalty out of the 11th in a shootout?” These comments highlight the intense pressure on modern footballers and the immediate, often unforgiving, reaction of supporters.

However, it is crucial to provide context to Benjamin Sesko’s penalty-taking record. Despite the flak received for his positioning in the Grimsby Town shootout, the former RB Leipzig talisman boasts an impeccable record from the spot. Throughout his career, for both club and country, Sesko has converted all 11 of the penalties he has taken, showcasing his underlying technical prowess and composure under pressure in such high-stakes moments.

Adding further fuel to the fire, former Aston Villa striker and outspoken pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor launched a blistering attack on Benjamin Sesko. Agbonlahor did not mince words, controversially branding the young Manchester United striker a ‘coward’ for his actions during the shootout. This strong accusation sent ripples through the football community, sparking further debate about player mentality and responsibility in crucial match situations.

Agbonlahor’s criticism stemmed from his belief that a team’s star striker should be among the first to take a penalty in a shootout, demonstrating leadership and confidence. He questioned why Sesko allowed multiple defenders to take their turns before him, suggesting it indicated a lack of willingness to take immediate responsibility in a critical moment for the Carabao Cup campaign. The former Premier League forward emphasized the weight of the term ‘coward’ for a male athlete, underscoring the severity of his judgment.

Despite Sesko ultimately converting his penalty, Agbonlahor maintained that the act of waiting until the tenth spot revealed a significant flaw in his character. This incident has undoubtedly placed the spotlight firmly on Benjamin Sesko and will likely serve as a defining moment in his early Manchester United career, prompting ongoing discussions about his temperament and suitability for the immense pressures of top-flight football.