Manchester United’s recent 1-0 Champions League victory over Sabah FK at Old Trafford offered manager Michael Carrick significant tactical insights, most notably regarding the impact of Benjamin Sesko. The Slovenian forward scored twice in as many matches, demonstrating that United become a far more effective unit when he occupies the starting striker role.
This marks Sesko’s first start since late March, when he had to accept that a persistent shin injury prevented him from playing through the ball for an extended period. Initially, hopes were high that he would be ready for the Premier League opener, but he could only feature as a second-half substitute in the draws against Hull, Ipswich, and Everton. Against Sabah FK, however, his fitness allowed him to lead the line, and the difference was stark.
At 6ft 5in, Sesko offers a physical presence that United’s other forwards currently lack. While Matheus Cunha has shown capability, his tendency to drift into deeper spaces can leave a void at the apex of the attack. Sesko, by contrast, pushes opposing defenses back, holds up play effectively, and attacks space behind the defensive line rather than retreating from it.
Sesko opened the scoring with a composed finish after Bryan Mbeumo played him through, exploiting a mistake by goalkeeper Stas Pokatilov. Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Sesko explained his decision-making: “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.”
Manager Michael Carrick praised the added dimension Sesko brings to the squad. “He definitely offers a different kind of threat,” Carrick said. “That’s the beauty of it, really. We know what Ben gives us. There’s not many around that 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.”
The performance raises immediate selection dilemmas for Carrick ahead of Sunday’s Manchester derby against City. With Amad Diallo still absent, Carrick must decide whether to trust Sesko’s fitness or revert to Cunha. Sesko’s form suggests he should retain his place, which would leave Carrick to choose between Cunha, who also scored in this fixture, and Marcus Rashford for the left side of the attack. Rashford has yet to contribute a goal or assist since his return, though his pace remains a consistent danger.
Carrick acknowledged the complexity of the decision but emphasized the value of having multiple scoring options. “It’s not an easy decision, of course it’s not,” he admitted. “But it’s definitely one I’d prefer; to have goals in the team and for the boys to be playing well. The understanding they all have is that sometimes it’s going to be a start, sometimes it’s going to be finishing the game.”
As United face progressively tougher Champions League opponents, Sesko’s ability to combine size with skill and pace may prove to be the key differentiator in finding top form.
Cunha drifting deep creates too many holes. Sesko’s physicality is exactly what this attack was missing.
Great goals, but can he last the full ninety against a Premier League defense? Shin injuries are nasty.
Finally, someone who can actually hold the ball up! Sesko makes everyone around him look better.