Manchester United’s season has seen a mini revival engineered by Michael Carrick, and that revival now needs to extend to his hidden ace, with whom he has had special talks.
Kobbie Mainoo is the biggest beneficiary of Michael Carrick’s regime so far, with the midfielder enjoying a 180-degree turn in fortunes since Ruben Amorim’s sacking.
However, like with every managerial change, some winners have been countered with some losers, as Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount have lost their undisputed starter status.
What do you expect from Mason Mount between now and the end of the season? Where does he fit in?
Michael Carrick has backed Mason Mount…
Mason Mount graphic
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Another player has joined them on that list, but Carrick has paid special attention to him during the last two games, which hints at his unleashing vs Fulham.
Michael Carrick in conversation with Benjamin Sesko after Manchester United win vs City.
Photo by Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Michael Carrick must unleash Benjamin Sesko vs Fulham
Carrick has come through the tough tactical challenges against Arsenal and Man City with brilliant expertise and tweaks.
One of the major tweaks was putting Bryan Mbeumo as the striker, as he was using his running and fluid positioning to devastating effect on transitions.
However, that formula was so successful that it is forgotten how Mbeumo’s stint as the No. 9 broke Benjamin Sesko’s hottest streak of his Man Utd career.
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Sesko had scored thrice in two games under Darren Fletcher, but hasn’t started a game since.
Carrick understood the dilemma and gave special time to Sesko after the City game, and repeated that against Arsenal, where he at least came off the bench.
All of that could be in preparation to finally unleash him against Fulham, because the Slovenian’s skillset is uniquely suited to the new tactical challenge Carrick will face against Marco Silva’s side.
Sesko can help Carrick tackle new challenge vs Fulham
What worked against City and Arsenal won’t work against Fulham, which is a lesson that Ruben Amorim refused to learn until the very end.
Will Benjamin Sesko WIN the “Sesko vs Hojlund” debate?
Is there even a debate to be had or has he already won it?
Benjamin Sesko shots on target vs Burnley compared to Rasmus Hojlund's shots on target in 2024/25 season
Benjamin Sesko shots on target vs Burnley compared to Rasmus Hojlund’s shots on target in 2024/25 season
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Carrick needs to show the tactical flexibility that Amorim never did, and that begins by making tweaks to break down Fulham’s low block.
Mbeumo’s last-man running will be of no use against a team that won’t leave any space in behind, which is where Sesko comes in.
Using the 6’5″ Slovenian as the battering ram, with Mbeumo, Amad, Cunha, and Bruno Fernandes behind him, will be needed to break down a stubborn Fulham side.
The roles will be reversed. From running beyond the last man, Mbeumo will play off of Sesko, who can attract the defence towards him due to his physicality.
Furthermore, he provides a crossing option due to his tremendous leaping ability, adding another way of breaking down a low block.
There are only two ways of breaking down a low block. You either ram through it with sheer force or move the ball so quickly that it leaves the defenders dizzy.
With Sesko in the side, both options are unlocked with his physicality and link-up play behind him.
Carrick kept Sesko motivated for this game. Now it’s time to unleash him.
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