Michael Carrick stressed there is no ‘drama’ between him and Benjamin Sesko as he reflected positively on the Slovenian striker’s impact ahead of Manchester United’s clash against Crystal Palace.
Benjamin Sesko is arguably the biggest topic of conversation surrounding Manchester United right now.
The 22-year-old striker started life at Old Trafford slowly, but he has turned things around since the beginning of 2026. That was evident in United’s 1-0 win over Everton as Sesko came off the bench to score the match-winner in the 71st minute.
Despite having yet to start a game under Michael Carrick, the Slovenia international has scored three goals, which is more than he managed under Ruben Amorim during the first half of the 2025/26 campaign.
Should Benjamin Sesko start for Man Utd vs Crystal Palace?
Benjamin Sesko celebrates scoring during the Premier League match between Everton and Manchester United at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool, England in 2026.
Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images
Michael Carrick watching Manchester United train
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Michael Carrick can only see positives from Benjamin Sesko impact
Sesko has been in excellent form Amorim’s dismissal at the start of January. The goal against Everton was the latest in an impressive run for the striker, who also bagged a late winner against Fulham and rescued a point in stoppage time at West Ham.
There is no denying that Sesko’s goals have contributed massively to United’s resurgence of late, with the Red Devils sitting fourth in the Premier League after winning five matches and drawing one since Carrick returned to Old Trafford.
The numbers show that Sesko is in form, with five goals in six league games since Amorim was given his marching orders. Two of those goals came during Darren Fletcher’s brief stint as caretaker head coach.
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Carrick was asked about Sesko in his pre-match press conference ahead of United’s upcoming league fixture against Crystal Palace.
“The whole thing is a real positive,” Carrick told reporters on Friday.
“It’s certainly not a decision that is one I look at in a negative way. We’re playing well as a team, we’re not getting carried away and thinking that carries on.
“The forwards have scored a good number of goals, Ben has been so good in so many ways. It’s really not a drama. It just shows the quality Ben has got.
“If he starts the next game or the one after, it I what it is, but he’s doing so many good things.”
Benjamin Sesko’s turnaround has been pretty stunning! Should he start the next game?
Michael Carrick happy with the fluidity of Man Utd’s attack
Carrick faced more questions about his team selections, but from his perspective, why change something that isn’t broken?
It’s been a long time since United have shown form like this, yet one reporter suggested that the team’s attacking players struggled against West Ham and Everton.
The reporter in question suggested that Bryan Mbeumo had been playing as a false nine in recent matches, although Carrick disagreed with that assessment before hailing his attacking players for their efforts since his return.
“I don’t think we’ve played a false nine, I think Bryan has played high on the last line a lot of the time,” Carrick replied.
“We’ve played in different ways. Four points in two games away from home isn’t so bad, being able to change it from the bench is a real strength.”
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