Dimitar Berbatov tells Benjamin Sesko what he must do to succeed at Man United | OneFootball

Former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov has told Benjamin Sesko what he must do to succeed in a Red Devils’ shirt – and it involves screaming and swearing at teammates if necessary.

The Pressure of Leading the Line

United signed Sesko from RB Leipzig this summer in a deal worth £74 million after Ruben Amorim demanded a new striker to lead the line at Old Trafford.

Neither Rasmus Hojlund nor Joshua Zirkzee – signed for combined fees totalling in excess of £100m across successive transfer windows – convinced the Portuguese coach of their suitability to his system last season.

Zirkzee is more of a number ten than a nine, as Amorim has consistently deployed him, while Hojlund’s ineffectiveness led to his departure, with the Dane joining Napoli on a season-long loan with a buy clause.

Sesko’s arrival came late in the summer window, meaning his introduction was delayed and he has taken time to get up to speed. A run of six appearances without a goal or assist saw pressure ramp up on the 22-year-old striker.

Back-to-back goals against Brentford and Sunderland have eased the situation, however, with Sesko’s all-round play improving as well, demonstrated by a lovely assist against Brighton on the weekend.

But Berbatov has told the Slovenia international he must be selfish if he wants to succeed for the Red Devils in the long run – and to “scream [and] swear” at his new teammates if necessary.

“Be arrogant”

Speaking to Rio Ferdinand on the former defender’s podcast, Berbatov was adamant Sesko needs to “be arrogant” to be a United frontman and “demand the ball” from the rest of the team.

“Be confident in yourself. Be arrogant in a way that you demand the ball from your teammates when you make the run. And when you make a good run, if the ball doesn’t come for you, say it or express it in a way your teammates will understand,” the Premier League winning striker explains.

“Sometimes show your angriness. Scream, swear at him, whatever. Not personal. But in a way that says ‘I’m here, man. Just give me the ball. I will try to score for you’.

“Half-time, before the game, after the game, speak. Be emotional. ‘Pass me the damn ball, man!’ Be angry with your team-mate. Not always polite and best friends and buddies.”

Football is a team game, but the role of a striker requires a selfish streak to succeed at the highest level.

INEOS believed Sesko was worth investing a huge sum in to lead the line for Amorim – a decision which puts huge pressure on a striker, particularly a player so young. But rather than being a burden, it’s one the Slovenian must take confidence from that he is the man at Old Trafford.

INEOS has faith in Sesko and Amorim is similarly minded about his new centre-forward – but Berbatov contends it is up to the 22-year-old to make his teammates match this belief, even if it risks offending them in the process.

Featured image Shaun Botterill via Getty Images

online polls

The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social