“Be more selfish” – Roy Keane tells Benjamin Šeško to learn vital lesson from ‘mad’ Man United star

Roy Keane has never been a man to hide his feelings, and after Manchester United’s 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa, the former captain once again delivered a hard but honest message. This time, his focus was on young striker Benjamin Šeško, and what he believes the forward must change to succeed at Old Trafford.

Manchester United returned from Villa Park disappointed after another difficult away game. The result ended a long run without defeat at the stadium and left fans frustrated by a familiar problem: plenty of effort, but not enough quality in the key moments.

Šeško was given a chance to start after returning from injury. At just 22, he is still learning his trade, but games like this show how high the demands are at Manchester United.

A frustrating day for United and Šeško

From the first whistle, United knew they were in for a tough afternoon. Aston Villa played with confidence and energy, backed by a loud home crowd. While United tried to match their intensity, they struggled to create clear chances.

Šeško worked hard throughout the match. He pressed Villa’s defenders, chased lost causes, and tried to bring others into play. His effort could not be questioned. However, when the moment came for him to make a difference, it slipped away.

In the first half, the striker was played through on goal with a clear chance to score. It was the kind of moment that defines strikers. Unfortunately for Šeško, he could not finish, and United paid the price later in the game.

These are the moments that stay in the minds of fans and pundits. At a club like United, chances are limited, and forwards are judged on whether they take them.

Roy Keane’s blunt verdict

After the match, Roy Keane gave his view, and it was clear he felt something was missing from Šeško’s performance. Speaking honestly, as he always does, Keane suggested the young striker needs to learn from one of his own teammates.

That player is Matheus Cunha, who scored United’s only goal against Villa.

Keane praised Cunha’s attitude, even though the Brazilian also missed a good chance later in the game. What impressed Keane was Cunha’s mindset.

“I like Cunha,” Keane said. “A bit selfish, a bit mad. He reminds me of Ronaldo. Sometimes he doesn’t pass the ball, but then he goes and scores.”

For Keane, that is exactly the type of player United need more of.

“That’s what United need again,” he explained. “Less smiles, more killers. Let Šeško learn to be a little selfish too.”

Why being ‘selfish’ matters for a striker

The word “selfish” is often used as an insult in football. But for a striker, it can be a good thing.

Top forwards think about goals first. They want the ball, they want the chance, and they believe they will score. They are not afraid to shoot, even if a teammate is free.

Keane’s message was clear: Šeško is sometimes too nice. He plays within the system, follows instructions, and does his job. But he does not yet demand the game in the way great strikers do.

Cunha, on the other hand, takes responsibility. He wants the ball in dangerous areas. He is willing to take risks, even if it means losing possession or upsetting teammates.

That confidence and edge can change games.

Not all the blame is on Šeško

It is important to say that Šeško did not get much help at times. United’s wide players struggled to deliver good crosses, and the service into the box was poor for long spells.

One moment after half-time showed this clearly. Šeško played a pass out wide and immediately pointed to where he wanted the cross. He made the run, attacked the space, but the ball was blocked before it reached him.

Strangely, United started putting more crosses into the box after Šeško was taken off. That will only add to his frustration.

Still, Keane believes top strikers do not wait quietly. They demand better service. They shout, gesture, and make it clear what they want. That is another lesson Šeško must learn.

A young striker under huge pressure

At 22, Šeško is still very young, especially for a player leading the line at Manchester United. The pressure is intense. Every missed chance is talked about, and every performance is closely judged.

Many great strikers struggled early in their careers. The Premier League is fast, physical, and unforgiving. Defenders are strong, experienced, and ruthless.

Keane’s comparison to a young Cristiano Ronaldo is interesting. Ronaldo was frustrating at times. He took risks, ignored passes, and tried things that did not always work. But he believed in himself, and that belief helped turn him into one of the best players in the world.

What Šeško must do next

The message from Roy Keane is not meant to destroy Šeško’s confidence. It is meant to challenge him.

Hard work alone is not enough at Manchester United. Šeško must become more demanding, more aggressive, and more confident in front of goal. He needs to believe that he is the man to win games.

If he can add that edge to his game, United fans may yet see the striker they hoped for. Learning from a fearless teammate like Cunha could be the key.

At Manchester United, talent gives you a chance. Mental strength decides if you stay.