Benched but not sidelined: Carrick’s early test with Sesko

Michael Carrick’s return to the Manchester United dugout delivered an instant lift in mood and results, with a derby victory over Manchester City restoring belief at Old Trafford. Yet even amid the celebrations, one selection decision drew attention.

Benjamin Sesko remained on the bench throughout the 2-0 win, an omission that stood out given the striker had recently begun to find form. For a player signed to lead the line, his absence inevitably prompted questions about how quickly he fits into Carrick’s thinking.

A disrupted start to life at United

According to GOAL.com, Sesko’s opening months at the club have been shaped by interruption rather than continuity. The £74m summer arrival from RB Leipzig needed time to adjust to the physical intensity of the Premier League before a month-long injury halted his progress.

Under caretaker coach Darren Fletcher, there were signs of improvement. Sesko scored in consecutive matches and appeared more confident in his movement, offering a glimpse of the attributes that convinced United to invest heavily in him.

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Tactical choice over pecking order

Carrick’s decision against City reflected a specific game plan rather than a verdict on Sesko’s standing. Bryan Mbeumo was used centrally to provide mobility and rotation, while Matheus Cunha was introduced later to carry the ball into advanced areas.

Sesko’s more traditional profile was ultimately set aside, suggesting Carrick prioritised flexibility and energy for the derby rather than continuity in the No.9 role.

A private word, not a public snub

The clearest signal to Sesko came after the final whistle. Instead of focusing solely on the match-winners, Carrick sought out the striker on the pitch for a brief conversation, offering reassurance rather than distance.

When asked whether the omission risked stalling Sesko’s momentum, Carrick dismissed the suggestion.
“I don’t think it’s losing momentum,” he said. “I think he’s in a good place Ben, he’s trained really well.”

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‘In a good place’

Carrick expanded on that assessment, stressing that progress is not always reflected in minutes alone.
“I’ve been really impressed with the way he’s trained, his finishing and the way he’s gone about it,” he said. “I don’t see it as anything else other than pushing on and using what he’s just done over the last month or so as a stepping stone and being here for a long time.”

He added that selection was opponent-specific. “It’s just variety in terms of the strengths [of each player],” Carrick explained.
“Ben’s very good at playing on the last line and running behind… he’s done great to get his goal so he’s in a good place.”

A test of Carrick’s coaching values

In his first press conference since returning to the role, Carrick said individual development would be central to how he judges success. “If you improve the individuals, we create a better team,” he said.

Few players will test that philosophy more than Sesko. As GOAL.com has reported, the Slovenian arrived with heavy expectations and comparisons to Erling Haaland, despite a steadier scoring record in the Bundesliga.

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Moving on from tough love

Former coach Ruben Amorim adopted a more confrontational approach, publicly acknowledging Sesko’s struggles and rotating him in and out of the side. Scrutiny intensified after difficult performances, with Gary Neville saying: “He’s miles off it compared to the other forwards United brought in.”

Carrick appears set on a different path managing pressure, clarifying roles, and reducing the noise around a young striker still adapting to his environment.

A long-term view

Being left out of a high-profile derby was a reminder that selection under Carrick will be tactical rather than symbolic. Despite that, the messaging from the new coach has been consistent.

Sesko may not yet be a guaranteed starter, but he has been positioned as a long-term project rather than a sidelined signing. Whether that approach accelerates his adaptation remains to be seen.

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Sources: GOAL.com

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