LIVE
...

Follow us on

News

Michael Carrick now compares Benjamin Sesko’s impactful ‘moment’ with ‘spirit’ of three Man Utd players

Add as preferred source on Google

Manchester United interim head coach Michael Carrick has spotlighted Benjamin Sesko’s importance alongside three other key first-team players in the West Ham match.

Michael Carrick appeared on the latest episode of Manchester United’s official podcast after striker Benjamin Sesko came to his rescue earlier this week.

What did Michael Carrick get right with his game management vs West Ham?

Getty Images

West Ham hosted Man Utd at the London Stadium and the Hammers took the lead in the second half after the breakthrough from midfielder Tomas Soucek.

United were left chasing West Ham’s advantage for the remainder of the second half and Carrick turned to Sesko in the 69th minute of the Premier League clash.

Sesko replaced Matheus Cunha and the 22-year-old Slovenian forward netted the all-important equaliser in the dying stages of United’s 1-1 draw with West Ham.

READ MORE: Ben Foster in awe at ‘unreal skill’ that Benjamin Sesko showed as he ‘never thought’ Man Utd striker could do it

Bruno Fernandes and Benjamin Sesko during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Manchester United at London Stadium in 2026 in London, England.
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images

Michael Carrick’s reaction to Benjamin Sesko’s second-half Man Utd cameo appearance against West Ham

Michael Carrick avoided the first defeat of his interim head coach reign after Manchester United won their first four Premier League matches under him.

Benjamin Sesko perfectly timed his run and superbly connected with Bryan Mbeumo’s cross, with the striker firing a first-time volley into the top-right corner against West Ham.

Speaking on Inside Carrington, Man Utd interim boss Michael Carrick insisted that Sesko’s strike overshadowed the “spirit” that other players showed in the match.

Benjamin Sesko is averaging a goal every 48 minutes over his last six appearances

Should Sesko be starting more games for United?

Benjamin Sesko stat graphic
Getty Images

“That’s the goal, I think – connecting with the players and everyone,” he said, as per Manchester United’s official website.

“I think it’s important for us all to feel that we’re really together, you know, whether that’s the boys that are starting games, the boys that are coming on, the rest of the squad, staff, certainly the supporters.”

Carrick added: “You talk about the spirit and togetherness, at the West Ham game, Ben gets a lot of the headlines and rightly so because it was a massive moment and he’s done great, but the other side of it is the spirit.”

READ MORE: Gary Neville and Ian Wright both in full agreement about Bryan Mbeumo’s debut season at Man Utd

Benjamin Sesko impressed Michael Carrick, but so did the likes of Man Utd stars Bryan Mbeumo against West Ham

Sesko has made all of his appearances from the bench under Carrick, who has deployed Bryan Mbeumo as the lone United forward in his attacking set-up.

Despite the United striker Sesko making a meaningful impact earlier this week, Carrick could not overlook what Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Leny Yoro all offered.

10 goals already… how many will Bryan Mbeumo end up with this season?

Getty Images

“Leny has done great, two counter-attacks and putting two big challenges in, Bryan’s recovery runs, Amad’s recovery runs,” he explained.

“It’s quite easy to lose that game 2-0 in those circumstances, but that’s when the spirit counts and I’ve [spoken] to the players about that.

“Spirit doesn’t come from scoring late and the big highlights, spirit comes from tougher situations and finding your way through it and working together.

“The sacrifice that they give ultimately lets us take something from the game, so there’s a lot [that] goes into it, but that connection, that spirit, that’s what we’ve got to use: for the good and for the tough situations as well.”

United are currently fourth in the Premier League table under Carrick ahead of their next outing against Everton at Goodison Park on 23rd February.