There is growing frustration around Benjamin Sesko’s role at Manchester United after the striker once again made a decisive impact from the bench, raising questions over why he has not yet been trusted with a regular starting position under Michael Carrick.
Sesko came off the bench against Everton and appeared to have won the game for United when he headed home in the 88th minute, only for Ainsley Maitland-Niles to produce a spectacular stoppage-time equaliser in a dramatic 2-2 draw.
For Sesko, the situation is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. The Slovenian striker has repeatedly demonstrated that he can influence matches when given opportunities, yet he has largely been used as an option from the bench during the early stages of the campaign. His latest appearance only strengthened the argument that he deserves a much more prominent role in Carrick’s attacking plans, particularly after United’s starting attack struggled to consistently threaten Everton’s defence.
The frustration surrounding Sesko is not necessarily about a lack of opportunities altogether, but about the nature of those opportunities. Being introduced late in matches means the striker often has only a limited amount of time to establish himself, influence the tempo and create chances. Nevertheless, Sesko has shown remarkable efficiency when he has been called upon, including producing the late header that temporarily put United ahead at Everton.
There is also a tactical argument behind the growing calls for Sesko to start. United have been experimenting with Matheus Cunha operating as a false nine, allowing other attacking players to rotate around him. While the approach offers Carrick flexibility, it can sometimes leave United without a traditional focal point in the penalty area. Against Everton, the difference was particularly noticeable when Sesko entered the match and gave United a more direct presence up front.
Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has already publicly argued that Carrick should consider changing his attacking setup to accommodate Sesko. Scholes believes United need a recognised centre-forward leading the line and suggested that Sesko could provide the aggression and physical presence the team has occasionally lacked.
The debate is becoming even more significant because of the expectations surrounding Sesko. Manchester United did not bring the striker to Old Trafford merely to serve as a late-game substitute. His reputation before joining the club was built around his physical strength, movement, finishing ability and potential to become an elite-level striker. The club’s long-term investment in him naturally creates expectations that he should eventually become one of the central figures in the attack.
Sesko’s development also requires regular competitive football. At 23, he is still entering what should be one of the most important stages of his career. While patience is necessary when adapting to a new tactical system and the demands of English football, spending too much time on the bench could potentially slow his development and limit his ability to build a consistent relationship with teammates.
There is another complication for Carrick. United currently possess several attacking players capable of operating in different positions, including Bruno Fernandes, Bryan Mbeumo, Marcus Rashford and Cunha. Carrick has been attempting to find the right combination, but the early results have been inconsistent. United have taken only four points from their opening three Premier League matches, including the disappointing draw at Everton after twice surrendering the lead.
The Everton match arguably provided Carrick with one of the clearest demonstrations of what Sesko can offer. The striker’s late header came from a Luke Shaw delivery, with Sesko using his physical presence and attacking instincts to get into the right position. His contribution immediately gave United a more traditional attacking outlet and demonstrated that he can be dangerous when service reaches him in the penalty area.
Yet the fact that Sesko had to wait until the closing stages of the match before getting his opportunity will inevitably fuel speculation about his feelings. There has been reporting around his frustration at failing to establish himself as a starter, although there is not currently strong evidence that Sesko has made a formal transfer request or that he is openly challenging Carrick’s authority. Reports have instead focused on his desire to earn a starting role through his performances.
That distinction is important. A player can be frustrated without becoming disruptive. Sesko’s situation appears to be more about ambition than rebellion. He wants to play, score goals and establish himself as Manchester United’s first-choice striker. His latest performance gives him another argument to present to the manager.
Carrick, meanwhile, faces a difficult decision. Starting Sesko would mean changing a system that the manager believes can eventually produce an effective attacking unit. The current front four have shown flashes of quality, even though their understanding remains a work in progress. The Guardian noted that United’s attacking quartet has shown potential but still needs time to develop cohesion, while Sesko’s introduction against Everton provided a more direct alternative.
However, football managers are ultimately judged by results, and United’s slow start means Carrick cannot afford to ignore players who are making an impact. If Sesko continues to score or create decisive moments whenever he enters matches, the pressure on Carrick to give him a start will only increase.
The upcoming Manchester derby could therefore become an important moment in the striker’s season. Scholes has already called for Sesko to start against Manchester City, arguing that United need a genuine focal point in attack. A strong performance from Sesko in such a high-profile fixture could dramatically change the conversation around his position in the squad.
There is also a psychological element to consider. Strikers thrive on confidence, rhythm and regular involvement. A player who knows he will receive 60 or 70 minutes rather than 10 or 15 can approach matches differently. Sesko needs the opportunity to make mistakes, recover from them and develop an understanding with his teammates. Constantly entering matches when United are already chasing a result can put additional pressure on him to make an immediate impact.
At the same time, Sesko has already shown that he can handle pressure. His late goal against Everton came at a crucial moment, and he did not hesitate when the opportunity presented itself. Even though United ultimately conceded an equaliser, his performance strengthened the case for greater involvement.
For Manchester United supporters, the situation is becoming increasingly intriguing. The club finally appears to have a striker capable of offering the traditional No. 9 qualities that have sometimes been missing from their attacking structure. The question now is whether Carrick is prepared to build his attack around those qualities.
Sesko’s frustration, if it continues, could become a major storyline throughout the season. The striker has already made his case on the pitch. What remains to be seen is whether Carrick will respond by giving him the starting role he appears to be demanding through his performances.
For now, Sesko remains patient and focused on taking his opportunities. But every goal, every strong cameo and every decisive contribution will make it harder for Manchester United’s manager to justify keeping one of the club’s most promising attacking players on the bench for extended periods.