Andy Gray Slams Amorim Over Bruno Fernandes & Benjamin Sesko Decisions After Fulham Draw

Manchester United’s turbulent start to the Premier League season shows no sign of easing, as a frustrating 1-1 draw against Fulham has left fans and pundits questioning the decisions of new manager Rúben Amorim. What could have been a routine victory for the Red Devils descended into yet another night of disappointment, dominated by two major talking points: Bruno Fernandes’ missed penalty and the continued benching of £74 million striker Benjamin Sesko.

The match had seemed to swing in United’s favour when Fernandes stepped up to take a decisive penalty. Known for his confidence from the spot, the Portuguese midfielder had the chance to deliver three precious points. But when his strike failed to find the net, the groans around Old Trafford were matched only by the anger online. For many, this was not just a missed opportunity—it was symbolic of deeper issues within Amorim’s management.

Former footballer and outspoken pundit Andy Gray did not hold back in his post-match analysis. Gray, who has followed United closely, argued that Amorim’s decisions are stunting the team’s progress at a time when every point matters. His particular frustration was aimed at the treatment of Sesko, United’s big-money summer signing, who has yet to establish himself as a regular starter.

“I am absolutely disappointed by this decision… Rúben Amorim is making a HUGE mistake with Manchester United’s £74m star,” Gray fumed on air. “Not only did Bruno Fernandes fluff his penalty, but leaving Benjamin Sesko on the bench again is baffling. If you’re a United fan, you want Sesko up there. I just don’t get it.”

Gray’s words captured the feelings of a restless fanbase. Supporters have long been calling for Amorim to unleash Sesko’s pace, power, and finishing ability in the Premier League. Instead, the Slovenian striker has been limited to brief cameos, his potential reduced to what many feel is an unnecessary luxury option on the bench. To spend so much and not use him in critical moments has left fans frustrated and confused.

Social media, as expected, was ablaze after the final whistle. One fan vented: “How many times must we watch this? Sesko is the striker we paid for, yet he’s warming the bench while we keep dropping points.” Another added: “Bruno is a leader, yes, but he doesn’t need to be on every spot-kick. Amorim needs to wake up.” The sentiment is clear: patience is wearing thin.

Amorim’s defensive tactics and loyalty to Fernandes have also come under question. While the midfielder remains central to United’s creativity, his growing reputation for inconsistency in high-pressure moments has sparked debates about whether penalty duties should be reassigned. With players like Marcus Rashford and even Sesko capable of stepping up, the argument is that Amorim has options but refuses to use them.

The wider context makes matters even more urgent. United’s draw with Fulham means they are still searching for their first league win of the season. What was supposed to be a campaign of renewal under Amorim is starting to feel eerily similar to the struggles of recent years—promising on paper, but disjointed on the pitch. The longer the winless streak drags on, the louder the noise around the Portuguese coach will become.

For Amorim, the challenge is now twofold. On one hand, he must manage the pressure from fans and pundits demanding to see Sesko start. On the other, he must decide whether Fernandes continues to shoulder the responsibility as United’s main penalty taker. To ignore both issues would risk creating an atmosphere of disillusionment among supporters and, perhaps more dangerously, among the players themselves.

United’s next fixture looms large. It is not just about three points—it is about restoring belief in Amorim’s vision. The Portuguese coach arrived with a reputation for tactical innovation, but innovation without results quickly loses its shine in Manchester. The pressure is mounting, and with legends of the game like Andy Gray calling him out publicly, Amorim may have little choice but to respond.

Whether that means promoting Sesko to the starting XI or reshuffling penalty duties, one thing is certain: the status quo is no longer acceptable. United’s season may still be young, but credibility, momentum, and fan faith are already on the line. Amorim has decisions to make, and as this latest Fulham draw has shown, every mistake is magnified under the unforgiving spotlight of Old Trafford.