Gary Lineker has questioned Benjamin Sesko's lack of playing time at Manchester United this season, suggesting the striker was introduced far too late in the derby defeat to Manchester City. The former England striker's comments came after Sesko remained on the bench until the 67th minute, shortly after Erling Haaland had put ten-man City ahead in controversial circumstances.
Sesko impressed at the end of last season under Michael Carrick, scoring ten goals in 15 appearances, but has been limited to substitute roles in United's first four Premier League matches this term. Matheus Cunha has retained his place as the focal point of Carrick's attack in a false nine role, despite not scoring and struggling to make an impact.
Sesko's form and derby frustrations
Sesko was eager to start Sunday's derby, especially after scoring in United's previous two matches against Everton and Sabah. However, the 23-year-old had to wait for his opportunity, coming on in the 67th minute. The Red Devils ultimately failed to find an equaliser at Old Trafford, leaving them 13th in the table ahead of their trip to Fulham.
Lineker, speaking on The Rest Is Football, expressed his confusion: 'Would you worry a bit about United? Apart from that Bryan Mbeumo chance… well, they hit the post a couple of times, Marcus Rashford with that free-kick, a long, great effort, and Kobbie Mainoo hit a really good effort as well. I thought Kobbie Mainoo did some nice stuff but up top, though, they look like they're lacking. They've got Sesko on the bench. It's odd, he comes on and he has scored in games but you wonder why he's not getting a starting place.'
Shearer and Neville echo concerns
Alan Shearer, the Premier League's all-time top scorer, echoed Lineker's remarks, suggesting Sesko should have been introduced at the start of the second half. 'He could have given him more time, Sesko,' Shearer said. 'I was saying, "He has to bring him on!", and I thought he could have brought him on at least ten minutes earlier than he actually did. There's talk of how they've strengthened their forwards and they've strengthened the midfield but they didn't strengthen defensively. I'm not 100 per cent certain that they're that great up top anyway. I think they're all right [in attack], they're decent. But when you compare them to a lot of the big teams…'
Manchester United legend Gary Neville also questioned Carrick's decision-making. 'I think Michael Carrick maybe will reflect upon the fact that he could have made changes earlier,' Neville said on Sky Sports. 'When you know for 20 minutes before half-time that it's not going your way with 11 men, I think then Sesko should have come on straightaway to be a bit more of a battering ram up top. It was obvious it wasn't quite working. He made the substitution eventually after 67 minutes which only left Sesko with 25 minutes so things like that will be reflected on and analysed I'm sure. That's what they've got to concentrate on.'
What's next for United
The Red Devils return to Old Trafford this evening to host Brighton in the third round of the Carabao Cup. Sesko and his teammates will then look to return to winning ways in the Premier League when they travel to Fulham. United were held to a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage last season before winning 3-2 in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford.
