(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Michael Carrick has been urged to start both Benjamin Sesko and Marcus Rashford for Sunday’s Manchester derby.
United welcome their arch-rivals to Old Trafford for Sunday’s 4.30pm kick-off.
How Benjamin Sesko is faring
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 06: Benjamin Sesko of Manchester United celebrates scoring his team’s second goal 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 Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Being deployed from the off in the clash would mark Sesko’s first Premier League start of the season.
He did make the starting XI for last night’s win over Sabah, and repaid Carrick’s faith by scoring United’s third goal of the game.
Benjamin Šeško rounds the goalkeeper to make it three for Manchester United 🔄 📺 Watch live on TNT Sports & HBO Max pic.twitter.com/tnslugsmZM — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 10, 2026
Last weekend, Sesko also opened his league account when netting a well-taken header against Everton to restore United’s lead – before Ainsley Maitland-Niles clinched a point with his stunning injury-time strike.
Alas, the Slovenian will certainly feel as though he’s done enough to make the line-up on Sunday, though it remains to be seen if Carrick is of the same viewpoint.
Rashford still awaiting first goal of 26/27
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 06: Marcus Rashford of Manchester United controls the ball under pressure from Merlin Rohl of Everton during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Everton and Manchester United at Hill Dickinson Stadium on September 06, 2026 in Liverpool, England.
As for Rashford, he was an unused substitute in the Reds’ Champions League opener, suggesting he will play a prominent role next time out.
He has yet to find the back of the net since being reintegrated into the squad this campaign, so the forward would relish the chance of doing so against City.
Rashford has started the last two league outings, and received widespread praise from journalists and pundits for his performance at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Peter Schmeichel: “Coming away from that game, Rashford is now smelling of roses. I thought he was absolutely fantastic. Welcome back Marcus, we have missed you. Because he is one of the top players in the world.” via @ViaplayFotball pic.twitter.com/4sYdOFyIp1 — utdreport (@utdreport) September 7, 2026
Speaking on Sky Sports News this afternoon, Jay Bothroyd said: “Rashford starts this game.
“I think Rashford has been fantastic. He’s electric. He’s got great feet, he can score, he can get to the line – he’s a full-back’s nightmare. I personally would play him.”
After suggesting that Matheus Cunha should drop to the bench for the derby, Bothroyd added: “For that game in particular, I think you play Rashford, and you play Sesko.
“Man City will probably have the lion’s share of possession, but if you need to play the ball out and up to someone and he can get hold of it to allow the team to come up [the field], I think that would benefit Man United more.”
🗣️ "You play Rashford and you play Sesko" Jay Bothroyd believes Marcus Rashford should start the Manchester derby 🔴 pic.twitter.com/QoRWBERzTa — Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 11, 2026
David Ornstein
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 29: Lewis Hall of Newcastle United looks on during the warm up before the Premier League 2026/27 match between Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on August 29, 2026 in London, England.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United warms up before the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Manchester United and Sabah FC at Old Trafford on September 10, 2026 in Manchester, England.
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