Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has dropped a massive selection hint ahead of the UEFA Champions League clash with Sabah FK tomorrow.
Speaking to the media today, Carrick was asked whether Benjamin Sesko is ready to make his first start of the season.
He responded: “Ben is close, obviously. He’s obviously getting closer and closer.
“He missed a lot, since the Liverpool game [last season], it’s a long time to miss. We had to manage it and get him fit, he trained three-and-a-bit weeks fully, with no restrictions.
“You can see that coming onto the pitch, getting stronger and it was a fantastic goal, he did that an awful lot for us last season.
“It’s good to see him get on crosses and he’ll be part of each and every game. It’s just a case of when we take the next step, he’s in a good place.”
Sesko has featured from the bench in all three games this season, but his late headed goal against Everton provided a timely reminder of the threat he offers.
The Slovenia international missed the entire pre-season after aggravating a shin injury against Liverpool in May.
Benjamin Sesko could finally start vs Sabah
Carrick clearly favours a fluid attacking system, with his forwards encouraged to interchange positions and create problems from different areas.
However, Sabah could provide the perfect opportunity to unleash Sesko from the first whistle and give him the platform to attack crosses inside the box.
United have increased the volume of deliveries from the flanks.
The accuracy and quality of those crosses need improvement but it is a positive sign for a towering centre-forward like Sesko.
The 23-year-old showcased his aerial threat against Everton, rising to power home a crucial late header.
Sesko joined United from RB Leipzig for an initial fee of around £66.3 million last summer.
He bagged 12 goals across all competitions and finished as the joint-highest goalscorer for United alongside Bryan Mbeumo.
Matheus Cunha has operated in the number nine role this campaign but it would be a wise decision to ask Sesko to spearhead the attack in the European competition.
Stats from Fotmob.com