Benjamin Sesko form a real positive for Man United, says Michael Carrick
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Manchester United's Benjamin Sesko has scored three goals in his last four matches after coming off the bench.
PHOTO: REUTERS
LONDON – Manchester United caretaker coach Michael Carrick brushed off calls to start Benjamin Sesko despite the striker’s red-hot form coming off the bench, saying on Feb 27 that the situation was a “real positive” for the Red Devils.
Sesko has not started an English Premier League game since his brace in a 2-2 draw against Burnley in January when interim boss Darren Fletcher was in charge.
The Slovenian striker, who was signed in 2025 for an initial fee of €76.5 million (S$114 million), has scored three goals in his last four matches after coming off the bench.
“I just think the whole thing is a real positive. It’s certainly not a decision that I look to in a negative way,” Carrick told reporters ahead of March 1’s home game against Crystal Palace.
“We’re playing well as a team and we’ve been winning games. I’m still not getting carried away and thinking that just carries on... Ben’s been so good, you know, in so many ways for us. It’s really not a drama.
“It just shows the quality Ben’s got for what he’s produced over the last few weeks. It’s a good position for us to be in.”
Carrick was also questioned why his starting line-ups have been similar in recent games. The former midfielder said he faced a delicate balancing act between maintaining his side’s winning momentum and keeping the entire squad happy.
United are unbeaten since he took charge in January, winning five Premier League games and drawing one to move up to fourth.
“It’s definitely something we’re aware of... It’s the challenge of managing the group. There’s huge positives to it and the results we’ve had in playing well, winning games mostly,” he added.
“There’s a balance to it but there’s definitely a big positive to the fact that we’re in a good run of form.
“Even though sometimes it’s the same players on the pitch, game to game we’ve changed things.”
Carrick also expressed hope that there was a lot more to come from Harry Maguire as questions swirl around the defender’s contract situation.
The 32-year-old has started every game since Carrick arrived, underlining his value to United with a series of strong performances.
But Maguire, signed from Leicester City in 2019, is far from certain to be at Old Trafford next season after reports he would need to take a pay cut to extend his spell with the club.
He is in the final year of his deal and Carrick emphasised the importance of retaining a leader like Maguire, especially with Brazilian midfielder Casemiro leaving at the end of the season.
“Experience is massive,” he said. “Harry has gained an awful lot of experience in different ways through this club...
“We’ve seen that with Harry’s performances of late, what he’s brought to the team and he’s been so important.” REUTERS, AFP
