Carrick sends a message to Sesko after the decisive goal

Michael Carrick conveyed a message to Benjamin Sesko, the player who keeps scoring for MU despite not yet securing a starting spot.

Benjamin Sesko continues to be the hero for Manchester United in their 1-0 victory over Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium on the early morning of 24/2. The story attracted attention not only because of the goal but also due to the way the Slovenian striker "spoke" through an emotional celebration, given that he still frequently starts matches on the bench under interim coach Michael Carrick.

On the waterlogged pitch that slowed the game’s pace, MU faced a fairly frustrating 70 minutes against Everton. Carrick only brought Sesko on in the 58th minute, replacing Amad Diallo. This marked the sixth consecutive match where the 22-year-old forward began on the bench. Yet once again, he did the hardest job: putting the ball in the net to decide the match.

Sesko’s goal came from a sharp counterattack, finished with a shot that was both powerful and precise. Right after scoring, the newcomer from RB Leipzig roared passionately, releasing all the pent-up energy. During commentary, Gary Neville clearly interpreted the message from that moment.

“That was an incredibly sharp counterattack from a team that barely attacked all game,”Neville remarked. “This celebration looked like a player telling his coach: ‘You have to use me.’ The three summer signings combined well, Cunha’s pass was excellent, and the shot had both power and accuracy.”

Sesko is becoming Carrick’s “trump card.” Since the former MU midfielder took over as interim coach, the £73.7 million striker has regularly come off the bench but made a direct impact: scoring decisive goals against Fulham and Everton, and an equalizer in the 90+6 minute against West Ham. These goals have earned MU valuable points amid a tightening top-four race.

The victory at Hill Dickinson Stadium also helped MU strengthen their position near the top. Carrick started his second interim spell with five wins in six Premier League games, building a stable run of results. After this round, MU extended their lead to 3 points over Chelsea, who will face Arsenal at the weekend.

However, the big question remains: when will Sesko start regularly? Before the match, Carrick admitted he understands why fans want to see Sesko in the starting lineup more often but emphasized managing fitness and the adaptation process.

“I understand that. Ben is doing very well; he’s still young, learning, and adapting to life here, so I’m very pleased with how things are going,” Carrick said.“He has improved a lot in the short time we’ve worked together… He’s ready, looks dangerous and confident, but we have to make choices, and it’s not always easy.”

“Having Ben come on and finish games like recently is fantastic. He will be a big player for the club for many years. I’m extremely impressed with what he’s done, and I believe there’s still much more ahead.”

But when a player repeatedly comes off the bench to decide matches, the issue of “starting or not” inevitably becomes unavoidable. Sesko sent the clearest signal not through words but through goals and a celebration that seemed to remind everyone he is ready for a bigger role.