Rio Ferdinand likens Benjamin Sesko to ex-Man United striker who was “a joke” | OneFootball

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has outlined why Benjamin Sesko is having the same impact as former striker Louis Saha.

Sesko still finding his feet at United

Having joined United during the summer transfer window from RB Leipzig in a deal worth £74m, Sesko is still adapting to life at Old Trafford.

Sesko has notched two goals and provided one assist for United in 14 League appearances.

Sesko remains a work in progress, yet he has demonstrated promising moments of quality, especially through his prowess in the air and ball retention.

Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel, Ferdinand launched a passionate defence of Sesko when it was suggested to him that the Slovenian has yet to start delivering for United.

Ferdinand acknowledged that Sesko’s numbers must improve but his influence goes well beyond stastics, much like Saha.

Ferdinand makes comparison

The six-time Premier League winner said, “Sesko [offers more] than [just] goals. Yes, the strikers will be judged on their goals, but internally sometimes there are things that they bring to the table that you go, ‘You know what, that is huge.’”

“You know who was like that? Louis Saha. He was never going to win the Golden Boot at Manchester United.”

Ferdinand continued, “But in terms of his value to the team, he was a joke some of the stuff that he would do to enable others to play better.”

“He would get us up the pitch at times, he would hold the ball for three or four seconds at times to give us a breather.”

“Forget goals with him. His all-round game… I was sitting there sometimes going, ‘Oh my God, I’m so happy he’s on our team.’ I think with Sesko, listen, we still want to see the goals. But I’ve seen a few parts of his game that I go, ‘Oh the other players are liking that.'”

“I can see it. Manchester United haven’t had a striker who can just hold it up or flick it on for ages. Like just a simple little thing but effective.”

Saha managed 28 goals and 10 assists in 86 top-flight matches for United between 2004 and 2008.

Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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