Wayne Rooney delivers honest verdict on Benjamin Sesko as Man Utd legend also points out player who 'simplified things' in win over Sunderland

After Mason Mount opened the scoring against Sunderland, Sesko doubled the lead just after the half-hour mark with a clever close-range finish. That goal took Sesko’s tally to two in eight appearances, and it was a major boost to his morale. The Slovenian has faced fierce scrutiny since his £74 million ($99m) summer move from RB Leipzig, struggling to adapt under the weight of expectation. Yet against Sunderland, he looked sharper, hungrier, and finally like the player United fans were promised.

United's all-time record goalscorer Rooney said while assessing Sesko's performance on The Wayne Rooney Show: "I think he’s a handful and I think he uses his body well, he challenges for balls. It makes it easier for [Bryan] Mbeumo, [Matheus] Cunha when he’s on, or Mount to make runs in behind him, so I think that’s clearly something they’ve worked on. Obviously getting another goal will help him so the win was massive for all the players and for the manager and it was much-needed."

While Sesko grabbed the headlines up front, it was Senne Lammens, United’s summer signing between the sticks, who quietly impressed at the back. Making his debut, the 23-year-old Belgian kept a clean sheet and showed composure beyond his years, even after a nerve-wracking moment when he misjudged a charge outside his box. Rooney was quick to notice and said: "The goalkeeper did well. He obviously had the misjudgement where he’s come out the box and that could end up a different way. But I thought, in the main, he simplified things and that’s not a bad thing for a keeper. He didn’t take too many touches on the ball, he got the ball forward quickly and it was effective."

Amorim’s slight tactical tweak also earned plaudits. United pressed with intent, their attack finally showing balance and bite. Sunderland, unable to live with the tempo, were forced to change shape early in the first half, never truly recovering.

"Sesko has been good at winning headers and [Bryan] Mbeumo running in behind him so I actually thought United got their tactics right," he said. "Amorim slightly changed his tactics and went with two forwards up top and it worked, certainly for the first 30 minutes. Sunderland had to change it early on in the first half and they saw the game out well from there. Sunderland didn’t really cause that many problems."

Despite the euphoria of victory, Rooney kept his feet on the ground, reminding the players that consistency, not comfort, will determine their season. The five-time Premier League champion has been one of Amorim’s harshest critics this year, but his message after the Sunderland game was measured.

"It’s not something I really want to do but I feel you have to tell the truth," he said. "Ruben Amorim himself has been critical of the players and it wasn’t long ago that he was telling us it was the worst Manchester United team in the history of the club. That’s him being honest and if that’s his thoughts, that’s his thoughts.

"But for the players, they have to keep focussed on what they’re doing and he’s the manager so listen to what he’s saying, tactically what he wants, and try to win games. That’s the only way it changes unfortunately. I’ve been there as a player, being criticised as a player, and you have to try to focus on your job and win games. Manchester United are still one of the biggest clubs in the world so you have to expect to be criticised when you don’t win or play well and on the flip side of the that, the benefits of winning games are huge."

As United head into the international break, Amorim finally has breathing space, but it won’t last long. Their next Premier League fixture is a blockbuster away clash with Liverpool on October 19, and all eyes will be on whether this newfound momentum survives the trip to Anfield.