Michael Carrick drops Benjamin Sesko hint with Manchester United super sub in red-hot form ahead of Crystal Palace fixture - 'Not a drama'
By Ben Morse
Published 27/02/2026 at 17:54 GMT
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Benjamin Sesko has scored five goals in his last six Premier League games, with the most recent three all coming after the striker was brought on as a substitute. And Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick appears to have no plans to change a winning formula, calling the Slovenian's form a "real positive" for his team, which is unbeaten in the league since his appointment.
'No issue' - Carrick insists he has 'no problem' with Man Utd forward Sesko
Video credit: SNTV
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick says that the goal-scoring form of Benjamin Sesko off the bench has been a "real positive" for his team.
Sesko has scored five goals in his last six Premier League games, with the most recent three all coming after the striker was sent on as a substitute.
Those three goals have all proven valuable, with two being late winners against Fulham and Everton, and the other a 96th-minute equaliser against West Ham United; they have also maintained the team's undefeated record with Carrick at the helm.
Sesko’s form has led to questions about whether Carrick should start the Slovenian – Sesko has not started any of Carrick’s six games in charge – but he believes the current plan is benefitting the team as a whole.
"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 Sunday's Premier League game against Crystal Palace.
"We're playing well as a team, 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."
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Sesko signed for Manchester United in last summer’s transfer window, moving from RB Leipzig for a reported €75 million (£65m) plus €10m (£8.7m) in add-ons.
The 22-year-old endured a tough time in front of goal under previous manager Ruben Amorim, scoring just twice in the Premier League before Amorim left The Red Devils in January.
In the first game after Amorim’s departure, Sesko scored two goals in a 2-2 draw against Burnley under then-interim manager Darren Fletcher.
And the striker has continued that form under Carrick, providing a spark off the bench in recent weeks.
Carrick’s decision to keep Sesko as an impact substitute is in line with his apparent desire to limit changes to his starting line-up as much as possible.
Injuries permitting, the former United, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United midfielder has kept faith with the same group of players in his six games in charge.
And it’s had a clear impact, with United winning five and drawing one in that span. Carrick, though, admitted that "managing the group" is a "challenge" for him as head coach.
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'That's what he does' - Carrick hails 'unbelievable' Man Utd saviour Sesko for late equaliser
Video credit: SNTV
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"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," the 44-year-old said.
"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's view on Maguire
Carrick also expressed his hope that Harry Maguire, who is in his final year of his contract, will be kept at Old Trafford.
"Experience is massive," said Carrick. "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."
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