Sabah did not cause too many difficulties for Manchester United in the Champions League opening match, but Benjamin Sesko made Michael Carrick have a headache with the team selection problem before the Manchester derby.
The Slovenian striker continued his goal against Everton with a goal against Azerbaijan at Old Trafford. This goal contributed to helping Man United win 4-0, and also helped Sesko score points in the race for a starting spot in the match against Manchester City.
Sesko had to wait for his chance. Due to an injury in early May, he missed the entire pre-season preparation period. Physical problems caused the 23-year-old striker to sit on the bench in the first 3 matches in the Premier League against Hull City, Ipswich Town and Everton.
The goal at Hill Dickinson helped Sesko get a starting spot against Sabah and he quickly took advantage of the opportunity. Receiving a pass from Bryan Mbeumo at the end of the first half, the Slovenian striker surpassed the opponent's goalkeeper to score the second goal in 5 days.
Sesko played 63 minutes before giving way to Joshua Zirkzee. This decision may stem from the fact that he is not yet in his best physical condition, or Carrick wants to save energy for the derby with Man City. The answer will be available later this week.
At least, Sesko has put Carrick in a difficult problem. The Slovenian striker may think he has performed well enough to start in the derby, but the question is who he will replace.
Mbeumo just scored a beautiful goal against Everton. Matheus Cunha also scored his first goal of the season against Sabah. Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford was not used in the Champions League match but previously had an excellent performance against Everton. If Sesko starts in the derby, one of them will have to accept sitting on the bench.
Sesko's strength is that he brings different qualities compared to Rashford, Cunha and Mbeumo. This striker provides a clear support in the number 9 position, and is also a target in the penalty area when Man United puts the ball on the two wings.
Sesko was also very active. Right after the break, he chased a defender Sabah and regained the ball, creating loud cheers from the Old Trafford stands, almost no less than when he scored.
He brings a very different threat. That is Sesko's strength. We know what he can contribute, and not many players possess the qualities of Sesko in terms of physique, strength, ability to play in the highest position in attack or movement speed behind the defense. He is really a threat.
It's great that he has returned to this form after a long time of trying to regain his fitness. Sesko has had goals, good performances and accumulated valuable minutes of play. We are really satisfied with what he has shown" - Carrick commented.
Carrick may also be satisfied with Man United's return to the Champions League. After nearly 3 years of absence, the "Red Devils" opened the campaign with a victory over Sabah, a team newly formed 9 years ago. More big challenges are waiting, but 4 goals and one clean sheet are a favorable start.
