Rooney slams Sesko as Manchester United shin injury row escalates
Old TraffordManchester United legend Wayne Rooney has launched a scathing attack on striker Benjamin Sesko, questioning his absence from the squad due to a persistent shin problem. The Slovenian forward was missing from the side that slumped to a disappointing 1-1 draw against Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Sesko’s physical issues have left head coach Michael Carrick short of attacking options during a difficult start to the Premier League season. The 23-year-old aggravated a pre-existing issue during the recent Carabao Cup defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion, having initially picked up the knock late last term.
Speaking on the Stick to United podcast, Rooney did not hold back when discussing the forward’s reluctance to play through the pain barrier. Manchester United’s all-time record goalscorer suggested that modern players are far too soft when dealing with minor knocks.
Expressing his disbelief at the situation, Rooney said:
“Shin? Has he broken it? You can hurt your shin, you can take tackles… I bet he’s wearing them little stupid shinpads as well.”
The former United skipper believes that representing the club as their primary striker requires a completely different level of mental toughness. He claimed that sitting out of crucial fixtures because of a sore leg points to a wider issue within the current squad.
Elaborating on the responsibilities of leading the line at Old Trafford, Rooney said:
“If you’re trying to play No9 [for Man United] and you’ve got a must-win game and you’ve got a sore shin and you’re not playing… that’s a big part of the problem.”
Rooney also recalled how players in his era would do whatever it took to get on the pitch, even if it meant relying on medical assistance.
Reflecting on his own playing days, Rooney said:
“Unless you physically can’t play, you play when you’re injured. I remember before games we used to get injections and the doctor used to put them in your arse.”
United legends unite in criticism
Rooney is not the only former Old Trafford star to express frustration with the forward’s current physical state. Former midfielders Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt also voiced their concerns on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast.
Scholes urged the striker to simply put his protective gear on and get out on the pitch if there was no fracture. Butt echoed those thoughts, insisting that a player should only miss out if their bone is actually broken.
Bijol leaps to striker’s defence
The heavy criticism from former United icons has not gone down well with Sesko’s international teammates. Slovenia defender Jaka Bijol, who plays for Leeds United, quickly came to the defence of the young forward.
Speaking about the external pressure, Bijol argued that such harsh public comments from high-profile pundits could severely damage a young player’s self-belief. He urged the striker to block out the noise and focus on his rehabilitation.
Sesko has since withdrawn from the Slovenia squad for their upcoming fixtures against Scotland, North Macedonia, and Switzerland. The club confirmed he will undergo medical assessments to establish a proper recovery plan.
Sesko vows to return stronger
Addressing the situation on social media, the striker expressed his deep regret at missing the international fixtures. In a message posted on Instagram, he promised supporters that he is working tirelessly to get back onto the pitch.
The forward stated that his primary focus is now on his rehabilitation so he can help both his country and Manchester United. Carrick will certainly hope the striker can recover quickly, with pressure mounting after a run of just one win in five league matches.
United currently sit 12th in the Premier League table as they head into the three-week international break. They will return to domestic action on October 10 with a crucial fixture against Tottenham Hotspur, where Sesko will hope to make his return.
