Sesko's Late Heroics Secure Crucial Victory for Manchester United
Benjamin Sesko demonstrated his impact as a super-sub once again, scoring the winning goal for Manchester United in their 1-0 victory over Everton at Goodison Park. The Slovenian striker entered the match in the 71st minute and delivered the decisive strike that propelled United into the Premier League's top four.
Embracing the Super-Sub Role with Patience
The 22-year-old forward has now scored in three of his last four appearances from the bench, including dramatic late goals against West Ham and Fulham. Despite this impressive record, Sesko maintains a patient approach to earning a starting position.
"I'm not even thinking: 'I have to start, I have to start,'" Sesko revealed. "For me it's just whenever the coach decides to put me there one time or not - I'm just going to be there ready. If I get five minutes I'm going to use them, and for me it's about trying to enjoy and delivering for the team."
The young striker emphasized that manager Michael Carrick and the coaching staff are preparing him for eventual starting opportunities, but his immediate focus remains on making impactful contributions regardless of playing time.
Thriving Under Pressure at Old Trafford
Sesko has embraced the considerable pressure that comes with wearing the Manchester United striker's jersey, viewing it as a necessary component of elite football.
"For me the way I look at the pressure is it's something that if I want to be a good player it's something that I have to have," Sesko explained. "I take it as a privilege. It's something that has to be there if you want to play at the highest level and it's about accepting it and not really caring about it."
United's Resurgence Under Carrick
Manchester United have collected an impressive 16 points from a possible 18 during Michael Carrick's six-match tenure as interim manager. Sesko attributes this success to detailed preparation and collective effort.
"The mood is really good," Sesko noted. "Everyone is working for each other and I said many times the coaching staff in general, not just Carrick, but also the others he has beside him are unbelievable. They are working on individuals and you can see that on the pitch."
Branthwaite's World Cup Aspirations
Meanwhile, Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite has not abandoned hope of earning a place in England's World Cup squad despite limited playing time this season. The 23-year-old missed the first half of the campaign with a hamstring injury and has started only three Premier League matches.
Branthwaite, who started at left-back in Monday's defeat to United, believes his late-season freshness could work to his advantage as England manager Thomas Tuchel evaluates his options ahead of the summer tournament.
"To miss all the time I've missed this season has had a huge impact on the momentum I had in the last couple of years," Branthwaite admitted. "Hopefully I'm past that now and I can get a good momentum going, stay injury free and push for the World Cup squad. That was my aim at the start of the season."
The defender suggested that players who have featured regularly throughout the season might experience fatigue, potentially creating opportunities for those like himself who are returning to full fitness.
Looking Ahead
With Manchester United securing their position in the top four and both Sesko and Branthwaite focused on their respective international ambitions, the Premier League continues to provide compelling narratives as the season approaches its climax. Sesko's ability to deliver crucial goals from the bench has become a valuable asset for United, while Branthwaite's determination to overcome injury setbacks demonstrates the resilience required at football's highest level.
