Tim Sherwood has made a remarkable about-turn on Manchester United striker Benjamin Šeško, publicly admitting he was wrong about the £73 million forward in a dramatic reversal that has caught many by surprise.
Not long ago, Sherwood was one of Šeško’s fiercest critics. During a difficult spell earlier in the season, when the Slovenian struggled for consistency and confidence, the pundit questioned whether he was good enough for Manchester United and even suggested he should not wear the shirt again. The hefty transfer fee only intensified scrutiny, and with missed chances piling up, frustration among supporters grew louder by the week.
Fast forward a few months, and the narrative has shifted completely.
Since Michael Carrick stepped into the managerial role, Šeško’s performances have surged to another level. The striker has netted five goals in his last six appearances, but it’s not just the numbers that stand out. His movement is sharper, his finishing more composed, and his overall contribution far more influential. He looks like a forward playing with clarity and conviction rather than hesitation.
Carrick’s influence has been widely credited for the transformation. Instead of overcomplicating Šeško’s responsibilities, the United boss streamlined his role. He encouraged him to stay higher up the pitch, attack spaces behind defenders, and focus on being decisive inside the penalty area. Training sessions reportedly emphasized timing, positioning, and composure under pressure, while the midfield was instructed to release quicker, more direct passes to exploit Šeško’s pace and physical presence.
The result is a striker who now leads the line with authority. He presses defenders aggressively, attacks crosses with determination, and demands the ball in key moments. Opponents have taken notice. Centre-backs are more cautious, often dropping deeper to guard against his speed, while teams are committing extra attention to contain him.
Sherwood, speaking on a recent broadcast, openly acknowledged his misjudgment. He praised both Carrick’s management and Šeško’s response, describing the forward as one of the most dangerous attackers in the league at present. For a pundit known for his blunt assessments, such an admission carried significant weight.
Statistically, the improvement is evident. Šeško’s shot conversion rate has climbed, his touches inside the opposition box have increased, and his work rate off the ball has intensified. He is winning more aerial duels and playing a more complete role in United’s attacking structure. More importantly, he is influencing matches in ways that extend beyond scoring.
The bigger question now is whether he has cemented himself as the automatic starter. On current form, it is difficult to argue otherwise. His presence stretches defenses, creates openings for teammates, and provides the focal point United have long sought.
What makes this resurgence even more impressive is the mental resilience behind it. Faced with heavy criticism and mounting pressure, Šeško could easily have faded. Instead, he responded with performances that silenced doubters and reignited belief among fans.
Sherwood’s apology underscores just how dramatic the turnaround has been. Carrick’s tactical clarity laid the groundwork, but Šeško’s determination and growth have driven the revival. If he maintains this trajectory, his early struggles may soon be remembered only as the starting point of a far greater story.
For now, one thing is clear: the striker once written off as “not good enough” is firmly back in the spotlight — and this time, for all the right reasons.
