Manchester United have a lengthy break before their next Premier League game, but there is still plenty going on at Old Trafford as Benjamin Sesko speaks out on his slow start at the club
Manchester United’s squad heads into the international break off the back of their first league victory of the season, easing some of the pressure on manager Ruben Amorim.
A Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby had cast doubts over Amorim’s future, but a last-minute penalty from Bruno Fernandes clinched all three points for the Red Devils. However, the match wasn’t without its injury worries. Both Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount were unable to play the full 90 minutes, with Cunha subsequently withdrawing from Brazil’s squad for the September World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia.
United are back in action on September 14, facing off against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. They enter the match ahead of their local rivals, who have suffered consecutive league losses after winning their opening game away at Wolves. The fixture will also be the first round of Premier League matches since transfer deadline day.
United made just one eleventh-hour signing, bringing in Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp, while confirming departures for Antony, Rasmus Hojlund, Harry Amass and Jadon Sancho – the latter three on loan. Here, Daily Star Sport looks at all the latest news from Old Trafford.
Dalot’s injury blow
United have been hit with another injury worry after Diogo Dalot withdrew from Portugal’s squad for the September international break. Roberto Martinez’s side are set to travel to Armenia on Saturday, before another away fixture against Hungary.
Dalot completed the full 90 minutes on Saturday as United defeated Burnley. Nevertheless, he has been withdrawn from Portugal duty with former Arsenal player Nuno Tavares called up as his replacement.
“Full-back Nuno Tavares was called up to the National Senior squad this Thursday to replace Diogo Dalot. The international, who plays for Manchester United, complained of muscle discomfort and was released by the Health and Performance Unit,” a statement from Portugal’s FA read.
Sesko explains struggles
Benjamin Sesko has acknowledged the step up in quality after swapping the Bundesliga for the Premier League. Sesko joined United from RB Leipzig in a deal worth up to £74million, and has yet to find the net for his new club, but believes he’s making progress.
The Slovenia star told Ekipa: “The level of the matches is certainly much higher, the players and teammates are also at a higher level. After all, English football is at the highest level in the world of football.
“But I am very much looking forward to the coming period, also because I am getting better and faster in every training session, and I am also progressing in my football mentality every day. I wanted to move to England and fortunately my wish came true.”
Ten Hag’s Leverkusen payout
Erik ten Hag’s Bayer Leverkusen compensation means he cost the club more than £86,000 for each day he was at the helm, according to Bild. The former Manchester United manager agreed in May that Leverkusen would be his first managerial role since departing Old Trafford last October, but he was dismissed after merely 60 days.
Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes said when Ten Hag was shown the door following just two league matches: “This decision was not an easy one for us. Nobody wanted to take this step.
“However, the past few weeks have shown that building a new and successful team with this setup is not feasible. We firmly believe in the quality of our team and will now do everything we can to take the next steps in our development with a new setup.”
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