Gary Neville Issues Stern Warning to Michael Carrick Over Benjamin Sesko
Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville has delivered a forceful message to current manager Michael Carrick, insisting that young striker Benjamin Sesko must start in the upcoming Premier League clash against Crystal Palace. Neville warned that failing to include Sesko in the starting lineup could psychologically 'kill' the emerging talent.
Sesko's Impact as a Super-Sub
The Slovenia international has become United's go-to game-changer in recent weeks, despite not yet earning a starting position under Carrick. On Monday night against Everton, Sesko entered the match as a second-half substitute and delivered a stunning counter-attack goal that secured all three points for the Red Devils.
This marked another crucial contribution from the bench, following his injury-time heroics against both Fulham and West Ham United. Statistical analysis reveals Sesko has netted three goals in his last four appearances, demonstrating remarkable efficiency in limited minutes.
When including goals scored under interim manager Darren Fletcher, who briefly took charge following Ruben Amorim's departure, the former RB Leipzig star has now tallied six goals in his last seven matches across all competitions.
Neville's Analysis of Sesko's Situation
Speaking on The Gary Neville Podcast, the former United defender provided detailed insight into Sesko's current predicament. "His celebration I think was a message to everybody," Neville observed. "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."
Neville continued with his assessment: "For Sesko now, I think on Sunday against Crystal Palace, he starts. And I haven't always been convinced about him this season. 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."
The pundit emphasized Sesko's development trajectory: "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."
Carrick's Selection Dilemma
Carrick has maintained remarkable consistency in his team selections since taking charge, making only two enforced changes in six matches due to injuries to Patrick Dorgu and Lisandro Martinez. This stability has been a hallmark of his early tenure, but Neville believes Sesko's form now demands a tactical adjustment.
The former United captain predicts a reshuffle that would see Amad Diallo temporarily lose his place in the starting eleven. "We will probably see Matheus Cunha on the left, Bryan Mbeumo on the right, Sesko up top and Bruno in behind," Neville projected regarding Sunday's lineup. "And I think Amad will just slip in behind for a game. Amad has been really good but Sesko has to start, he's been scoring winners and equalisers, you have to put him in."
Neville's comments highlight the growing pressure on Carrick to reward form with starting opportunities, particularly as Manchester United continue their push for Champions League qualification. The decision regarding Sesko's involvement against Crystal Palace will be closely scrutinized by fans and pundits alike, with many agreeing that the young striker has earned his opportunity through consistent match-winning contributions.
