Benjamin Sesko has 'explained' 10th penalty decision as striker called out after Grimsby defeat

Benjamin Sesko's previous stance on his preferred position in a penalty shoot-out has emerged after he was Manchester United's 10th taker in the shoot-out.

After two substitute appearances against Arsenal and Fulham, the £74 million striker made his first start for the Red Devils in a Carabao Cup second round tie against League Two side Grimsby Town.

The Slovenian was looking to kickstart his United career but the Red Devils found themselves 2-0 down in the first half after strikes from Charles Vernam and Tyrell Warren.

Ruben Amorim brought on Bruno Fernandes, Matthijs de Ligt and Bryan Mbeumo at half-time and the latter reduced the deficit before Harry Maguire levelled matters and forced penalties.

A total of 26 spot-kicks were taken and Mbeumo, who had already scored his first, saw his second effort smack the crossbar to secure Grimsby's win in the tie.

Fellow new signing Matheus Cunha had the chance to send United through to the third round but passed up the opportunity, with Christy Pym guessing right and making the save.

Benjamin Sesko's penalty approach revealed

Sesko did convert from 12 yards but fans were left baffled as United's No.9, who has scored all 11 of his career penalties, was their 10th taker and only goalkeeper Andre Onana was after him in the initial list.

As expected there was plenty of intrigue as to why Sesko was so low down in the order, with former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor labelling him a "coward" for not stepping up.

No official explanation has been given but an old interview showed Sesko's approach to a shoot-out.

In a video circulating on social media, the former RB Leipzig man was asked to pick between taking the last penalty and not taking one at all and replied, "The last penalty, take the responsibility".

Sesko led the line for the first time from the off but struggled to be involved in the play, managing a mere pass success rate of 63.6% and lost possession 10 times, according to stats collected by LiveScore.

The 22-year-old completed seven out of his 11 passes of just 11 passes and only had two shots on target, both of which were saved by Pym.

Three of his efforts were blocked, with Sesko not blessed with service and frustrated up top.

Sesko and United will be hoping to final get their season up and running when they take on Burnley at Old Trafford on Saturday.