Photo by Mark Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by Mark Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Michael Carrick must stick with Senne Lammens for the Champions League encounter with Sabah, despite the Manchester United star’s shaky performance against Everton.
Senne Lammens was criticised for his decision-making in Manchester United’s 2-2 draw against Everton, including his hesitation to come out and collect the ball.
The 24-year-old Belgian shot-stopper also should have done better at his near post to deny Tyrique George’s second-half strike for Everton in the United match.
Some reactionary United fans felt that Lammens should be rotated out for Thursday’s Champions League clash, but Michael Carrick must back him now.
READ MORE: Man Utd fans cannot excuse Senne Lammens’ biggest ‘rookie’ moment outside of shaky display against Everton
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Senne Lammens must start against Sabah and Michael Carrick must now bring Benjamin Sesko into Man Utd’s starting XI
Senne Lammens saw his confidence take a major hit in the summer after his howler led to Belgium’s World Cup exit in the quarter-finals at the hands of Spain.
There had been questions over how the World Cup showing would impact the Manchester United No 1, but Lammens has been steady outside of his Belgium blip.
United manager Michael Carrick would be wise to stick with Lammens for Thursday’s Champions League clash instead of turning to summer signing Karl Darlow.
Lammens needs a confidence boost and a clean sheet against Azerbaijan-based side Sabah could be the perfect springboard for the Belgium international.
The Belgium shot-stopper did do well against Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium outside of his minor issues, but his bumpy start to the season feels temporary.
However, Carrick must consider altering his frontline for United’s opening Champions League match of the season by bringing Benjamin Sesko back into the fold.
Benjamin Sesko has been picking up much-needed United first-team minutes after the 23-year-old Slovenian forward missed pre-season due to a shin problem.
READ MORE: Senne Lammens ditched his most important asset against Everton, despite its previous impact for Man Utd
Senne Lammens of Manchester United in action during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Everton and Manchester United at Hill Dickinson Stadium on September 06, 2026 in Liverpool, England.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
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However, the United striker has featured in all three Premier League matches so far after he climbed off the bench and Sesko had his biggest impact against Everton.
Sesko restored United’s lead over Everton in the second half at the Hill Dickinson Stadium and opened his Premier League goalscoring account for the season.
United legend Carrick has been relying on Matheus Cunha to lead the frontline for the Red Devils in the absence of Sesko in the Man United starting XI.
However, Sabah feel like the perfect opposition for Sesko to return to his rightful place in the lone forward role and to regain his stride since his return from injury.
“For me, it’s the best feeling when I’m scoring, especially for the club like that,” Sesko told MUTV after the Everton match, as per Manchester United’s official website.
“When I can provide the goals and the points for the team — it’s my job at the end of the day. It’s nice to be back with the team to experience all the games again.
“Of course, I wish today that we had won, but we can’t change that.”
Matheus Cunha will either have to be dropped or shifted back to the left at the expense of Marcus Rashford, but Sesko must be back in the United XI now.