Former Aston Villa forward Gabriel Agbonlahor has strongly criticized Manchester United’s new signing, Benjamin Šeško, labelling the striker a “coward” for his role in the team’s dramatic Carabao Cup second-round loss to League Two side Grimsby Town on Wednesday.
The criticism stems from Šeško’s decision to delay taking a penalty during the Red Devils’ 12-11 shootout defeat. Manchester United squandered a 2-0 lead, with Grimsby Town leveling the scoreline at 2-2 before securing the upset through penalties.
Despite being the team’s marquee striker, Šeško waited until the 10th round—just before the goalkeeper—to take his shot, which he converted. However, by that point, Manchester United’s fate had already been sealed, with fellow summer arrival Matheus Cunha having his spot-kick saved, and Bryan Mbeumo missing his second attempt.
Agbonlahor, speaking on talkSPORT, was visibly frustrated by Šeško’s reluctance to step up earlier in the shootout.
“Your star striker was probably waiting for the Man United groundsman to turn up to Grimsby and take the penalty.
He was 10th in line before the keeper. How can your star striker let all the defenders take a penalty before you, then he takes one and scores it? That shows to me that he’s a coward as well,” Agbonlahor said.
Šeško, who arrived at Old Trafford this summer in a high-profile €74 million move from RB Leipzig, has now come under scrutiny from pundits and fans alike for his perceived lack of leadership in a pressure-filled moment.
