Shearer Criticizes Man Utd’s Big Spending On Sesko

Manchester United’s £70-74 million acquisition of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig has come under fire from Premier League legend Alan Shearer. The Slovenia international has struggled to make an impact at Old Trafford, scoring just two goals in 12 appearances this season.

Shearer told Betfair:

“One player that must do better for United is Benjamin Sesko. They paid 70 odd million for him. That was a lot of money, I know it’s the market but it was too much. He’s had a tough start and I don’t expect huge things from him to be honest.”

The ex-Newcastle striker added that while Sesko is a talented player, he doubts the striker can justify the hefty transfer fee so far.

Sesko’s Early Struggles And Injury Concerns

Sesko has also faced injury issues, limiting his game time. In a recent Premier League clash against Tottenham, Sesko was introduced in the 58th minute but had to be substituted after a robust challenge from Micky van de Ven. United manager Ruben Amorim stressed that the injury was a bigger concern than Sesko’s form:

“That is not the biggest concern now. That happens, especially with a striker. I am more concerned with an injury, because it’s in the knee, we don’t know, we need Ben to be a better team.”

Sesko was subsequently ruled out during the international break, leaving his availability for Slovenia’s World Cup qualifiers in doubt.

Slovenia Coach Demands Respect From Man Utd

National team boss Matjaz Kek expressed frustration at United’s handling of Sesko’s injury, highlighting a lack of official communication:

“With all due respect to a great club like Manchester United, we have officially not received anything yet; no papers, no documents… United haven’t contacted anyone from our camp. The only thing that matters to me is his wellbeing. Slovenia deserves respect, even if on the other side there is a powerhouse like England.”

Kek’s comments underline tensions between the club and country as Sesko navigates both injury recovery and his adaptation to life in the Premier League.

Can Sesko Turn Things Around?

With United investing heavily in Sesko, the pressure is mounting for the young striker to justify the £70m price tag. Injuries and adaptation challenges have made a slow start inevitable, but fans will be hoping for a return to form soon.

As Shearer suggests, expectations may need recalibrating — but the season is far from over, and Sesko’s next performances could define his Manchester United career.

Konate Reacts To Transfer Speculation

Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has hit back at the media over transfer rumours linking him with Real Madrid, admitting the speculation has put him in a “tight spot.” The France international is in the final year of his contract, meaning he could leave Anfield on a free transfer in the summer of 2026.

Since joining Liverpool in 2021, Konate has established himself as a key figure in the backline, but ongoing gossip about his future has become a distraction, both for him and the team.

Media Rumours Put Konate Under Pressure

Speaking to TF1 during 2026 World Cup qualifying duty with France, Konate explained:

“It’s difficult, we can’t say everything because a lot of things are already being said in the media. Some of the things that I read, I’m like… oh la la. That puts me in a tight spot with Liverpool fans, and they don’t even know all the ins and outs.”

The 26-year-old confirmed that no definitive decisions have been made regarding his future, despite constant speculation linking him to La Liga giants Real Madrid.

Liverpool Contract Situation

Konate’s current deal is set to expire next summer, and he has yet to sign an extension with Liverpool. His agents continue discussions with the club, and he remains hopeful that a decision will be made soon:

“My agents continue to discuss with Liverpool. I hope my decision will be made very soon so I can announce it.”

Jamie Carragher Weighs In

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has expressed hope that Konate will stay but stressed the club will manage if he departs:

“I’d like him to stay but if he doesn’t, Liverpool will sign someone else. Liverpool won’t fall apart if Konate leaves. He’s not Virgil van Dijk. He’s a good centre-back who you hope will sign, but if he doesn’t want to sign, Liverpool will be absolutely fine.”

Carragher highlighted Konate’s quality, recalling his Champions League final experience against Real Madrid, and emphasised that contract decisions ultimately rest with the player.

The Bottom Line

Konate remains a talented defender whose future at Liverpool is still uncertain. While media speculation continues, the player is focused on his international duties and wants fans to understand that much of what they read is out of his control. Whether he stays or moves to Real Madrid, Liverpool appear ready to adapt.

World Cup Play-Off Draw: What You Need To Know

The 2026 FIFA World Cup play-off draw is set to take place on Thursday, with results from Monday and Tuesday being critical for Wales, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and potentially Scotland.

Eight of the 16 teams are already confirmed, but the remaining spots will determine draw pots and home advantage for semi-finals.

How The Draw Works

There are four play-off paths, each with four teams. The semi-finals and finals are one-legged, and seeded teams host the semi-finals:

• Pot 1 vs Pot 4

• Pot 2 vs Pot 3

Home advantage for the finals will be determined by the draw on Thursday. While being in Pot 1 is slightly preferable, the difference between Pot 1 and Pot 2 is minimal. Pot 3 and 4 contain teams that either just missed automatic qualification or advanced through UEFA Nations League performance.

Confirmed Teams And Pots

So far, the confirmed teams include:

• Pot 1: Italy

• Pot 2: To be confirmed

• Pot 3: Albania, possibly Kosovo

• Pot 4: Romania, Sweden, Northern Ireland

Teams like Turkey and Ukraine are likely to be in Pot 1.

Scotland’s Chances

Scotland can qualify automatically with a win over Denmark. If not, they enter the play-offs, most likely in Pot 2, guaranteeing a home semi-final. Only certain combinations of results could drop them to Pot 3, leading to an away semi-final.

Wales’ Scenario

Wales are guaranteed at least a play-off, with a home semi-final likely if they win against North Macedonia. A loss or draw would see them in Pot 4 as a UEFA Nations League group winner.

Republic Of Ireland

The Republic of Ireland earned a surprise play-off route after their late win in Hungary. They are expected to be in Pot 3, but with favorable results, they could reach Pot 2 and secure a home semi-final.

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland are confirmed in Pot 4, meaning an away semi-final, with only Italy confirmed in Pot 1 as potential opponents.

Inter-Confederation Play-Offs

Meanwhile, the inter-confederation play-offs in March will determine the final two spots and involve countries outside Europe.

• Asia: Iraq or UAE

• Africa: DR Congo

• CONCACAF: Two spots TBD

• CONMEBOL: Bolivia

• OFC: New Caledonia

The world ranking of these nations will determine which teams get seeded directly into the final.

The 2026 World Cup play-off draw promises drama for the UK nations, with home advantage and pot placements potentially making all the difference in the road to North America.