Michael Carrick has reportedly made a huge statement regarding Benjamin Šeško’s role at Manchester United, with the manager confirming that the Slovenian striker will no longer be left on the bench after continuing to prove his importance to the team.
Šeško has quickly become one of the most talked-about players at Manchester United, and his recent performances have strengthened the belief that he should be a permanent starter. The striker once again demonstrated his quality when he came off the bench against Everton and scored a late header that appeared to have secured all three points for United before a stoppage-time equaliser denied Carrick’s side the victory.
That performance has intensified the debate surrounding Šeško’s position in Carrick’s starting XI.
For supporters who have been calling for the striker to receive more minutes, the latest development would represent a major change. Šeško possesses the physical presence, movement and finishing ability required to lead the line, and his ability to influence matches even when introduced from the bench has made it increasingly difficult for Carrick to justify leaving him out.
The Slovenian forward has shown that he can change the course of a game. His movement gives Manchester United another dimension in attack, while his height and aerial ability provide the team with an option that can be particularly dangerous against defenders who struggle to deal with crosses and set pieces.
Carrick’s decision would therefore represent more than simply rewarding Šeško for scoring goals. It would be a clear indication that the manager believes the striker has earned a central role in United’s long-term attacking plans.
There has been considerable discussion about how Manchester United should structure their attack. The team possesses several talented attacking players, but the absence of a consistent central focal point has sometimes created problems. Šeško’s presence can solve that issue by giving United a natural number nine capable of occupying defenders and creating space for the players around him.
His recent impact against Everton was another example.
Manchester United had taken the lead through Bryan Mbeumo before Everton levelled. With the game approaching its final stages, Šeško was introduced and subsequently produced the moment United needed. His 88th-minute header put United ahead again and appeared to have earned Carrick a dramatic victory.
Although Everton eventually equalised in the sixth minute of stoppage time, Šeško’s contribution was impossible to ignore.
The performance also strengthened the argument that the striker should not have to wait until the second half to make an impact.
For Carrick, the challenge will now be finding the right balance between Šeško and the other attacking players. United have several forwards capable of playing in different positions, but Šeško offers something unique because of his ability to combine physical strength with pace and intelligent movement.
If Carrick makes him a permanent starter, the decision could have a significant impact on Manchester United’s season.
The striker’s confidence could also benefit enormously from knowing that he has the manager’s full trust. Strikers often thrive when they know they will be given consistent opportunities, particularly after scoring important goals. Regular starts could allow Šeško to develop a stronger understanding with Manchester United’s midfielders and wide attackers.
The connection between Šeško and the players around him could become one of the most important features of United’s attack.
His ability to stretch defences would create more room for players such as Bryan Mbeumo and Marcus Rashford, while his willingness to attack crosses could give United another route to goal when opponents sit deep.
There is also the psychological factor.
A player who repeatedly scores after coming off the bench can quickly earn a reputation as a super-sub. However, remaining in that role indefinitely can prevent a striker from developing the rhythm that comes with starting matches regularly. Šeško has already shown that he can make an immediate impact, but his next challenge would be proving that he can deliver consistently from the first minute.
That is why a permanent starting role could be so important.
Carrick will also need to manage expectations. Manchester United are competing on multiple fronts this season, and there will inevitably be matches where rotation becomes necessary. Even if Šeško becomes the preferred centre-forward, the manager may still need to rest him occasionally because of fixture congestion, injuries and tactical considerations.
Nevertheless, the reported message from Carrick represents a major vote of confidence in the young striker.
Manchester United supporters have been waiting for Šeško to establish himself as the team’s main attacking reference point, and his recent performances suggest that the moment could finally be arriving.
The striker’s late goal against Everton was particularly significant because it demonstrated his ability to make a difference under pressure. United needed someone capable of producing a decisive moment, and Šeško delivered when his team needed him most.
Carrick will now be hoping that the striker can carry that confidence into the club’s upcoming Champions League campaign.
United are preparing for their Champions League opener against Sabah at Old Trafford on September 10, giving Šeško another opportunity to demonstrate why he deserves a permanent place in the starting lineup.
A strong European performance could further strengthen his position.
For Šeško, the message is simple: the opportunity is there, and he now has the chance to establish himself as one of the most important players in Carrick’s Manchester United project.
The striker has already shown that he can score from the bench. The next step is to prove that he can dominate games from the beginning.
If Carrick truly decides that Šeško will no longer be a regular substitute, Manchester United could be about to enter an exciting new phase with the Slovenian leading their attack.
The competition for attacking positions will remain intense, but Šeško’s combination of youth, physicality, movement and finishing makes him a natural candidate to become United’s long-term number nine.
And after another decisive contribution, the argument for keeping him on the bench is becoming increasingly difficult to make.