Shearer Delivers Reality Check for Manchester United
Premier League icon Alan Shearer has bluntly stated that Manchester United are not in contention for a top-six finish this season, suggesting their recent draw against Tottenham should serve as a reality check for manager Ruben Amorim.
The Newcastle United legend made these comments following United's dramatic late equaliser in North London, where a header from Matthijs de Ligt snatched a point for the Red Devils.
A Resurgence Tempered by Inconsistency
While acknowledging a recent upturn in form, Shearer pointed to persistent issues. 'They're far from the finished article,' Shearer told BetFair. 'I still think there's a lot of work to be done, and I don't expect them to finish in the top six.'
This assessment comes despite a series of positive results, including victories over Liverpool and Brighton. However, Shearer highlighted that back-to-back draws against Nottingham Forest and Tottenham, where United surrendered leads on both occasions, reveal significant flaws that still need addressing.
He believes that ambitions for a top-six placement, while a marked improvement on last season's dismal 15th-place finish, should be tempered. 'I would think somewhere around 6th, 7th, 8th... that is improvement,' he conceded, but stressed that the club remains a work in progress.
Shearer Criticises Big-Money Signing Sesko
Shearer also turned his attention to United's summer recruitment, specifically singling out striker Benjamin Sesko for criticism. The Slovenian international was part of a massive £214 million attacking revamp that also included Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
Despite the hefty investment, Sesko has failed to make an impact at Old Trafford, drawing concern from pundits including United legend Gary Neville.
Echoing this sentiment, Shearer was direct in his appraisal. 'One player that must do better is Benjamin Sesko,' he stated. 'I guess, after the 70-odd million pound they paid for him... He's had a tough start.'
Shearer questioned the value of the transfer, noting the player missed two good chances after coming on against Tottenham. He concluded, 'I think he's a good player, not sure he's any more than that.'
