Rio Ferdinand speaks out in defense of Benjamin Sesko amid widespread criticism

Rio Ferdinand believes Benjamin Sesko brings to mind Louis Saha, who was often seen as a "joke" when considering only his goal tally, but was crucial to the team's collective success.

providing opportunities for Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to operate behind himSesko has scored 2 goals and provided 1 assist in 14 Premier League appearances since joining Manchester United from RB Leipzig for a fee of £74 million in August. Meanwhile, Saha – who played for Manchester United from 2004 to 2008 – scored 28 goals and made 10 assists in 86 Premier League matches.

Speaking on a YouTube podcast before the Wolves match, Ferdinand said Sesko reminded him of Saha while defending the Slovenian striker. Previously, Joel Beya had suggested Sesko hadn’t “integrated as quickly as expected,” but Ferdinand strongly disagreed.

When Stephen Howson added that Šeško did not have a full pre-season, that Manchester United performed better with him on the pitch, and that he created space for Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo behind him, Ferdinand said:

“I completely agree with Steve. Sesko offers much more than just goals. It’s true that strikers are judged by their scoring, but sometimes within the team there are contributions you have to acknowledge: ‘That really matters a lot.’”, Ferdinand stated.

“Who else fits that description? Louis Saha. He would never win the Golden Boot at Manchester United. But in terms of his value to the team, Saha was indeed a ‘joke’—in a positive sense—because of how he helped his teammates perform better.”

“There were times when Saha helped us push the team forward, held the ball for three or four seconds to give everyone a breather. Forget the goals. His all-around play… sometimes I’d sit there thinking: ‘Wow, it’s lucky to have him in the squad.’”

“It’s the same with Sesko. Of course, we want to see goals. But I’ve noticed aspects of his play that make me think: ‘Oh, the teammates appreciate that.’ Manchester United hasn’t had a striker in a long time who can hold up the ball, lay it off — simple details but extremely effective.”

Saha joined Manchester United at the start of the 2003/2004 season for £12.4 million. He had a strong start but his time at the Red Devils was heavily affected by injuries. The French striker scored 42 goals in 142 appearances for United. He won two Premier League titles, the League Cup, and the Champions League before moving to Everton in 2008.