Benjamin Sesko was named in the Manchester United starting lineup for the first time under Michael Carrick, scoring the winning goal in a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace
Michael Carrick talks with Benjamin Sesko after the Premier League match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.
Michael Carrick handed Benjamin Sesko his first start under him for Man United against Crystal Palace(Image: Visionhaus, Visionhaus/Getty Images)
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Manchester United icon Gary Neville saw his request for Benjamin Sesko to lead the line fulfilled in the Premier League triumph over Crystal Palace. The forward was included in United's starting line-up for the first time under Michael Carrick.
The choice came after he made an impact from the substitutes' bench to net the decisive strike in a 1-0 success against Everton six days earlier. Having been handed an opportunity from the outset, Sesko seized it emphatically.
Despite Palace establishing an early advantage in the opening half, United fought back into the contest when they were awarded a spot-kick in the second period. The incident also resulted in Palace being reduced to ten men.
With the scoreline at 1-1, Sesko rose in the 65th minute to guide his header beyond Dean Henderson and secure the lead for United. It proved to be the match-winning strike once more.
The goal was Sesko's eighth in the Premier League this campaign. It follows Neville championing calls for him to feature in the starting XI for the first time under Carrick.
Speaking on Stick to Football last week, he said: "In terms of Sesko he's going to play him at the weekend, you would think now, he's definitely grown, a little bit like [Viktor] Gyokeres in these last few weeks."
The former full-back also indicated that the striker appears 'quicker and more powerful' than earlier in the season. It was a judgement that former United colleague Roy Keane shared.
Benjamin Sesko scores his team's second goal during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.
Benjamin Sesko scored Man Utd's winning goal for the second game in a row when he netted against Crystal Palace(Image: DARREN STAPLES, AFP via Getty Images)
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Back in December, Keane emphasised the crucial element he wanted from Sesko, which he has now delivered.
After the striker squandered a one-on-one chance in the 2-1 loss against Aston Villa, he said: "We talk about players' confidence, these are big moments.
"When it comes to him did we actually believe he was going to score? Did he believe he was going to score?
"A player with a bit more confidence, these are big chances for a player trying to get his career up and running and he has really got to take them. The only encouragement I have for him is he has had one or two chances, so that will lift his spirits a little bit."
His present goalscoring form, including two match-winning strikes in his previous two outings, demonstrates that he is now a player brimming with confidence. United will be hoping it persists when they resume action on Wednesday evening as they face Newcastle United at St James' Park (8:15pm kick-off).