Benjamin Sesko has notched two goals in two games, making Manchester United a much more effective unit when he starts, a crucial lesson for Michael Carrick to absorb, even against an opponent like Sabah FK. While the Azerbaijan champions were likely the weakest of their eight Champions League group stage opponents, Sesko’s performance truly showed what he brings to the table. This was the first time the Slovenian started a game since a Liverpool match last March, when he finally had to accept he could no longer push through a nagging shin issue. Everyone had hoped he’d be fit for the Premier League season opener, but he was only ready for second-half substitute appearances against Hull, Ipswich, and Everton. Sabah FK was just unlucky enough to face a fully fit, starting Sesko.
Sesko’s Physicality Unlocks the Attack
At a towering 6ft 5in, the 23-year-old brings a physical presence that United’s other strikers just don’t have. It’s a bummer that Amad Diallo’s current absence means Bryan Mbeumo isn’t an option to lead the attack like he did in pre-season. Matheus Cunha definitely has skill, but the Brazilian likes to drift and drop back, which leaves a gaping hole right at the top of Manchester United’s attack. Sesko is a totally different beast. He just pushes defenses back, is incredibly tough to dispossess, and runs *at* opponents, not away from them. And yeah, he scores goals. Against Everton, his size allowed him to bag a close-range header that honestly should have given United the win. Against Sabah FK, he pulled off an audacious first-half back flick before Mbeumo set him up to run past the defense. Sesko kept a cool head, quickly moving the ball past goalkeeper Stas Pokatilov before slotting it into an empty net. “Of course, I’m happy with my goal,” Sesko told TNT, “I saw him rushing out, and it was a great opportunity to take the ball away from him and make the goal a little bit easier.”
Size, Skill, and Speed: The Full Package
It’s not that Mbeumo or Cunha can’t make those runs or score, it’s that Sesko does all that *plus* brings that undeniable physical threat. Good control for a big guy? It’s a cliché, sure, but players who can combine size with skill and outright pace are just ridiculously useful. Carrick himself said, “He definitely offers a different kind of threat. That’s the beauty of it, really. We know what Ben gives us. There’s not many around that kind of give you what Ben does in terms of his physique, his physicality, playing on the last line and his speed to run in behind. He’s a real threat.” Carrick is clearly buzzing to have him back, adding, “It’s great to have him back at this level after working to get his fitness back. A couple of goals and good performances, and good minutes in him. I’m really pleased with the way he’s gone.”
Now, here’s the kicker: Carrick has a massive decision to make before Sunday’s derby against Manchester City at Old Trafford. Does he trust Sesko’s fitness and stick with him? Or does he go back to Cunha, especially since there’s no word on Amad’s return? Based on what we’ve seen, Sesko just has to get the nod. What a call for Carrick to make, especially with Cunha opening the scoring and Marcus Rashford being an unused sub in the last game. This derby is going to be wild!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by BBC Sport.
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