Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has urged Benjamin Sesko to take criticism in stride as the young striker continues to adapt to life at Old Trafford following a difficult start to his Premier League career.

Sesko joined United from RB Leipzig in August for a fee of €76.5 million, with a further €8.5 million in potential bonuses. The 21-year-old Slovenian has managed just two goals in 11 appearances so far this season.

Speaking ahead of United’s clash with Tottenham Hotspur, Amorim said he remains calm about Sesko’s early form but acknowledged that the forward must learn to handle the scrutiny that comes with playing for one of the world’s biggest clubs.

“I’m relaxed — he’s not relaxed,” Amorim told reporters. “If you don’t perform every week, you’re going to hear a lot from club legends, pundits, and the media — and sometimes they’re right. The challenge is to accept that as normal and still keep your confidence.”

The Portuguese coach praised Sesko’s work ethic but said his personality makes the adjustment tougher.

“It’s hard for a young player, especially someone who likes to be in control of everything — and you can’t control everything in football,” he said. “He’s our striker for the long term, but these struggles are part of the journey.”

Sesko came under fire after United’s 2–2 draw with Nottingham Forest last week, when former player and pundit Gary Neville described him as “awkward” on the ball and compared him unfavourably to other recent signings.

Amorim brushed off the criticism, insisting it’s part of the learning curve.

“Of course, nobody likes to hear that, but Ben struggled a bit — that’s just a fact. It’s not personal,” he said. “Opinions change quickly in football. My advice to him is simple: get used to it, stay focused, and keep working. We’ll protect him and help him because he works incredibly hard and we want him to succeed.”

United currently sit eighth in the Premier League table and face sixth-placed Tottenham later on Saturday.