Manchester United are revelling in their derby victory but it leaves Benjamin Sesko as somewhat of an odd man out.
Michael Carrick started Bryan Mbeumo up front, taking Benjamin Sesko out of the starting XI in the middle of his best scoring streak for the club.
The decision paid dividends and then some, as Mbeumo’s running off the last man stretched Man City on transitions.
WHO was your man of the match for Manchester United vs City?
Let us know who you picked…
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
However, it does leave Sesko in a weird place where his playing style is not suited right now in games against elite teams, which is why Carrick’s talk with him at full-time was so crucial.
Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick approaches Patrick Dorgu of Manchester United after the Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on January 17, 2026
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
What happened between Benjamin Sesko and Michael Carrick
Carrick was asked before the game about his thinking behind dropping Sesko and Matheus Cunha from the starting XI.
He said it was purely tactical, and he was relying on those players to make an impact off the bench.
Cunha did exactly that, to devastating effect, assisting Patrick Dorgu’s goal and having another assist for Mount’s goal ruled out for offside.
More United News
Sesko, on the other hand, couldn’t come off the bench, and if this was any indication, is not likely to start against Arsenal either.
This is a player who has scored thrice in his last two games, so this was a big call from Carrick right away, and he recognised the player’s sentiment.
Carrick was spotted giving special time to Sesko after the game as he was in his ear constantly, having his arm around the neck of the Slovenian.
Manchester United v Manchester City - Premier League
Photo by Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
It was clear that he was giving confidence to the young striker who had to take a step back in the middle of his first hot streak for the club.
That kind of man management is what separates the good managers from the elite ones.
Carrick will make everyone feel involved
Carrick has a habit of making statement decisions as soon as he starts his job. He dropped Cristiano Ronaldo for his very first game as interim manager.
However, he has the man-management nous to keep the dropped players on his side, ready and willing to give their all for the team when they get the chance.
Michael Carrick is off to the PERFECT START at Man Utd, and he wants more!
Why do you think it went SO RIGHT for Carrick against City?
Carrick graphic
Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Ronaldo praised Carrick for the same, and everyone knows how difficult it is to placate a fit and healthy, dropped Ronaldo.
Cunha made an impact off the bench vs City, Mount scored, Ayden Heaven and Manuel Ugarte walked into an intense game and didn’t let the standard drop.
That speaks volumes about Carrick’s man-management approach, and it will make him a great manager.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox