Wayne Rooney launches Benjamin Sesko and Hugo Ekitike comparison after Fulham win | OneFootball

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has compared Benjamin Sesko and Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike, following the former’s last-gasp winner against Fulham on Sunday.

Sesko rescues United

United produced a dramatic late show vs. Fulham at Old Trafford, to hand Michael Carrick his third successive victory since being named interim head coach.

The Red Devils took the lead in the 19th minute through Casemiro, who rose highest to head home a brilliant delivery from Bruno Fernandes. Casemiro then turned provider shortly after the break, slipping in a sensational no-look pass into the path of Matheus Cunha, who smashed the ball into the back of the net from a tight angle.

Carrick’s men appeared to be cruising until Harry Maguire conceded a penalty, which Raul Jimenez scored to halve the deficit.

Kevin scored a screamer in stoppage time to make it 2-2 and break the hearts of United supporters, but substitute Sesko had other ideas. The Slovenian met Fernandes’s low cross, opened his body, and in one swift pivot, smashed the ball past a stranded Bernd Leno to win it.

The goal marked Sesko’s fifth in the Premier League this season, following his arrival in the summer. After the final whistle, a delighted Carrick was full of praise for the 22-year-old.

However, speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, Rooney strongly suggested that United could have perhaps gone for Ekitike instead of Sesko.

Rooney draws comparison

Rooney launched a comparison of Viktor Gyokeres, Ekitike and Sesko, clearly explaining why he feels Ekitike is the better striker out of the three.

He said [as quoted by the Metro], “We saw what Gyokeres did at Sporting, I know it was obviously a different country but he was scoring more goals than anyone and was absolutely on fire.”

“I’ve backed Gyokeres this season and people have given me a bit of stick but I still think he’s making a different to Arsenal, I really do. He’s occupying defenders and that’s helping the team. I know he’s not got the goals or assists you’d want from your centre forward but I still think he’s having an impact.”

Asked whether he would take Gyokeres ahead of Ekitike, Rooney answered, “No. Ekitike and [Granit] Xhaka at Sunderland have probably been the two best signings in the Premier League. I really enjoy watching Ekitike play. His second goal [against Newcastle] in particular was brilliant, it reminds me of Romario. A little toe-poke goal but it’s instinctive.”

“He is the type of player I like to watch. He’s not a number nine, he’s not a number 10. He drifts out wide, he gets on the ball, brings players into the game and he can score goals. So he’s got a bit of everything really.”

The former England international continued, “I really enjoy watching those type of players [like Ekitike]. He’s got that arrogance and confidence.”

“If you look at Sesko for instance, he looks like he needs a bit of guidance and a bit of help when he’s on the pitch. I know he scored the winner today thankfully but he looks like he needs a bit of guidance whereas Hugo Ekitike it looks like you can just put him on the pitch.”

“He’s got that swagger about him which I think you need to be at that top-level.”

United are next in action on Saturday when they host Thomas Frank’s Tottenham Hotspur in the early kick-off.

Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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