Manchester United interim head coach Michael Carrick embraces Bryan Mbeumo(Image: Darren Staples / AFP via Getty Images)
No Manchester United players would have been confident enough to predict what changes Michael Carrick would make when he entered Carrington for his first training session on Wednesday morning. Not many members of the squad could even be confident enough to say they would definitely be picked to face Manchester City.
There were a few improvements on show in Darren Fletcher’s two games at the helm and perhaps the biggest improvement came from Benjamin Sesko. The Slovenian has struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League since his £73m move.
To his credit, Sesko has worked hard but without reward for much of the campaign until Fletcher’s caretaker spell. He took his first goal since October well against Burnley and that raised his confidence as he bagged a second at Turf Moor. Despite being in defeat, Sesko also scored a good header the following game against Brighton to make it three goals in two games.
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With no other out-and-out striker options available to him and Sesko finding some form, it was expected Carrick would pick Sesko to lead the line in the derby. But he didn’t. Instead, the returning Bryan Mbeumo played in the centre-forward role and Sesko was dropped to the bench.
“We’ve got a good squad of players, that’s something that we’ve got to decide on,” Carrick told Gary Neville pre-match when asked about dropping Sesko and Matheus Cunha. “There was always going to be players disappointed not to start.
“But finishing the game is even more important these days. They’ve got huge talent. It’s not personal at all. I’m a big fan of both boys and they’ll make a big difference for us.” Nobody was arguing with Carrick’s team selection at the full-time whistle.
While Cunha came on and assisted Patrick Dorgu’s goal, Sesko had to settle for his role as an unused substitute. He may not like that decision from Carrick, but it is perhaps what he needed.
Ever since Sesko made his United debut it has been obvious he has needed someone competing with him for that centre-forward role. Someone who could lead the line and take the pressure off him when needed. Joshua Zirkzee was never likely to do so given the Dutchman is better in the No.10 role.
The Mbeumo and Sesko rotation could be a great option for the Reds. They offer a very different threat and having two players who can play the role will make it difficult for opposition teams to predict what they are set to face when they come up against United. Cunha has also led the line at times this season and has shown he can do a job there.
This is perhaps not what Sesko would have hoped to happen upon Carrick’s arrival. He might feel somewhat disappointed by his derby day snub but it proved to be the right choice for United.
It could well be a good thing for Sesko in the long term as he looks to adapt to life in the Premier League.
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