Benjamin Sesko produced a match-saving moment for Manchester United against West Ham and he deserves a place in Michael Carrick’s starting XI as a result.
Manchester United were moments away from suffering their first defeat of 2026 before Benjamin Sesko scored a superb last-minute goal to rescue a 1-1 draw against West Ham.
Meanwhile, Amad Diallo struggled to have an impact at the London Stadium, with United’s attackers starved of space to operate in.
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Benjamin Sesko has now scored five goals in his past six matches across all competitions, despite having not started a single match under Michael Carrick so far.
That has to change when United return to Premier League action against Everton.
Benjamin Sesko looks dejected during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Manchester United at London Stadium in 2026 in London, England.
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Benjamin Sesko form forces uncomfortable decision on Michael Carrick
Sesko is in the kind of form that cannot be ignored. Since Ruben Amorim’s sacking his performances have elevated to a new level, and he deserves to be in the starting line-up.
Against West Ham, United struggled to break down a low-block defence, with Nuno Espirito Santo instructing his players to sit deep and frustrate United’s forwards.
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In those situations, United need an aerial threat to be able to hit in the box. Sesko’s height, pace and power means he must be on the pitch.
Benjamin Sesko is averaging a goal every 48 minutes over his last six appearances
Should Sesko be starting more games for United?
Benjamin Sesko stat graphic
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While the likes of Amad, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha thrive in open, free-flowing games, United lacked a central threat against West Ham that could get on the end of crosses.
Carrick wanted United to cross more against West Ham, but it only became a viable route to goal once Sesko was on the pitch.
Benjamin Sesko can solve Man United issue vs Everton
Up next for United is a first trip to the Hill Dickinson Stadium to face Everton, and Carrick could face some similar hurdles in that match.
David Moyes often organises Everton’s defence well and looks to hit teams on the counter attack. United will be expected to dominate possession and will be challenged to break down Everton’s defence.
READ MORE: Benjamin Sesko proved Michael Carrick made his first mistake for Man Utd in draw vs West Ham
Sesko’s aerial threat will be vital, and he deserves to be in the starting line-up. That means one of Mbeumo, Cunha and Amad will have to be dropped, and it makes sense to be the latter.
Amad has only scored two goals all season, and while he has been a threat on the right, he doesn’t offer the same danger that Mbeumo and Cunha do in the final third.
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