Two goals in two games: Sesko gives Man Utd a new dimension

Manchester United will face far sterner tests of their Champions League credentials than Sabah FK provided at Old Trafford, but Michael Carrick’s side still learned a vital lesson: they are a much more effective attacking unit when Benjamin Sesko starts.

Sesko’s impact: physicality, pace and goals

This was Sesko’s first start since the Liverpool game in May, after a shin injury forced him to miss pre‑season and limited him to substitute appearances against Hull, Ipswich and Everton. Against Sabah, the 6ft 5in Slovenian offered a physical presence United’s other forwards lack, pushing defences back, holding off challenges and running in behind.

He opened his account with an impudent first‑half back‑flick, then finished clinically for United’s third just before half‑time: Bryan Mbeumo’s through ball sent him beyond the defence, he rounded goalkeeper Stas Pokatilov and slotted into an empty net. “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,” Sesko told TNT.

Carrick: “He gives us a different kind of threat”

Carrick praised Sesko’s unique profile. “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,” he said. “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.”

United’s issue is not that Matheus Cunha or Bryan Mbeumo cannot lead the line—Cunha scored the opener against Sabah—but that Sesko adds a direct, vertical threat in addition to their link play. Cunha tends to drift and drop, which can leave a gap at the apex; Sesko occupies centre‑backs and creates space for others.

The derby dilemma: who starts against Man City?

Carrick now faces a big selection call ahead of Sunday’s Premier League derby with Manchester City. Does he trust Sesko’s fitness and keep him up front, or revert to Cunha with Amad Diallo still unavailable? On this evidence, Sesko deserves the nod, which then raises another question: does Cunha stay on the left, or does Marcus Rashford return to the XI?

Rashford has yet to register a goal or assist since returning from his loan at Barcelona, but his pace and direct running remain a consistent threat. Cunha’s tendency to drift inside can overlap with Bruno Fernandes’ zones, whereas Rashford’s width may better balance the front three.

“It’s not an easy decision, of course it’s not,” Carrick said of his team selection. “But it’s definitely one I’d prefer: to have goals in the team and for the boys to be playing well… We need that within the group, from game to game over the season, to be able to call upon slightly different kind of things at different times.”