Just weeks after saying Benjamin Sesko isn’t good enough for Manchester United, Tim Sherwood has been prompted into an apology for the Slovenian striker.
Speaking in January, Sherwood sparked a strong backlash by criticising the Red Devils forward.
The former Tottenham and Aston Villa boss, reacting after Sesko bagged a brace against Burnley in a 2-2 draw, said: “I think the positive is Sesko scoring two goals.
“Hopefully he gets some confidence going. It’s took him six months to turn up at Man United and I’m pleased for the lad.
“He’s had a tough run of it. I had him off the pitch at half-time, never to wear a Man United shirt again.”
However, he maintained his stance on the forward by saying: “I stand by what I said. He’s not good enough to play for Man United.
“He’s turned up for one game against Burnley who are going to get relegated.”
Tim Sherwood had been critical of Benjamin Sesko back in January
| SKYSPORTS/PANow, however, Sherwood has backtracked – with the Sky pundit issuing an apology live on air earlier on Monday and admitting he ‘got it wrong’.
Sesko has been outstanding in recent weeks, with the forward scoring for the third game on the trot in Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace.
He has come good under Michael Carrick and Sherwood believes the departure of Ruben Amorim has helped the 22-year-old find his best form, insisting he wasn’t the right man to lead the player.
Five facts about the Premier League | PA/GETTY/REUTERS/GBNEWSSesko has certainly won round Carrick, with the United boss lavishing praise on his marksman.
“Absolutely delighted for Ben. I’ve sat here and said that it [starting him] hasn’t been a headache, it’s not been a big deal. It’s not been a big drama,” he said after the Palace win.
“He’s had a huge impact Ben and he’s making big improvements.
“He’s getting used to what it’s like to be here, the feelings and what it means to play and things we take for granted at times.
“He’s desperate to do well. He works so hard. He thinks about it an awful lot. He’s an absolute pleasure to work with.
Benjamin Sesko’s header was impressive as Man Utd beat Crystal Palace | PA“Today he started and it was a fantastic goal. He’s bringing a lot. We’ve got good flexibility across the top line, you know in the front players and different players can play different roles.
“There’s a lot of flexibility there and Amad took some time out today, and that might change again for Wednesday. But it’s nice to have them options really.”
Carrick continued: “I think Jonathan [Woodgate] is obviously working closely with him and connecting with him and building that relationship and that trust. I think that’s important when you’re trying to help players individually and certainly as a team.”
“And lots on Ben, He’s putting the work in, he’s stayed positive. He knows how he wants to improve and he’s pretty clear on that, but he’s a good player. It’s why he’s here. He’s a good player and he’s got some great strengths and I think they’re coming and being clear to see. He’s scoring different types of goals but he’s such a real threat. Really excited about where he can get to without getting too carried away.”