Gary Neville warns Carrick he will ‘kill’ Man United star if not made starter
Gary Neville has warned Michael Carrick that failing to hand Benjamin Sesko a starting role could “kill” the striker’s current form.
The Manchester United forward came off the bench again on Monday night to score the decisive goal in a 1-0 win over Everton.
It continued a run of impactful substitute appearances, with Sesko also netting late goals against Fulham and West Ham United.
Despite his form, the Slovenia international is yet to start a Premier League match under Carrick.
Including appearances during Darren Fletcher’s interim spell following Ruben Amorim’s departure, Sesko has scored six goals in his last seven outings.
‘Get me in this team’
Speaking on The Gary Neville Podcast, Neville suggested the striker’s goal celebration against Everton sent a clear message.
“His celebration I think was a message to everybody,” Neville said. “It was a message saying ‘get me in this damn team now. This is my start next time’.
“I think he will have been really disappointed having scored a wonderful goal against West Ham not to be in the team today.”
Looking ahead to Sunday’s clash with Crystal Palace, he added: “For Sesko now, I think on Sunday against Crystal Palace, he starts.
“But what you have to do is move with what you see. United have struggled in the last couple of games against West Ham and Everton.
“He looks like he’s growing in his game and his body and his confidence is high so I think on Sunday Michael Carrick starts him. I think it would kill the lad if he didn’t start on Sunday.”
Selection dilemma
Carrick has largely maintained a settled side during his tenure, with injuries to Patrick Dorgu and Lisandro Martinez forcing limited adjustments.
Neville predicted a reshuffle, suggesting Sesko could lead the line with Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo supporting, potentially leaving Amad Diallo out of the starting XI.
“Sesko has to start, he’s been scoring winners and equalisers, you have to put him in,” Neville concluded.
