Carrick praises Sesko as Manchester United striker builds form before derby

Sesko has not yet completed a full match for United since returning from a shin injury last month. The Slovenia international was sidelined for nearly three months after suffering the problem in May, and Carrick has managed his minutes carefully since his comeback.

The 23-year-old is beginning to give his manager the goals and movement United need.

He came on for the final 20 minutes of last weekend’s Premier League draw with Everton and scored a late goal in the 2-2 match. He then found the net again against Sabah at Old Trafford, helping United secure a comfortable win in their first Champions League fixture of the season.

The goals arrive at a useful time for Carrick. United face Manchester City in Sunday’s Premier League derby, and Sesko’s return gives Carrick another attacking option for the biggest match of the early season.

“There are not many players with Ben’s physicality, his ability to play on the last line and the pace to run in behind the opposition defence,” Carrick told reporters. “It’s great to have him back in this kind of form after working hard to regain his fitness. He’s scored a couple of goals, had good minutes, and we’re really pleased with him.”

Sesko was equally positive after scoring his first home goal of the season. The forward said the recent run has helped his confidence after a frustrating spell on the sidelines.

“Of course, the confidence boost is huge,” he told TNT Sports. “Now the important thing is to recover properly and focus on the derby.”

United will need to assess how much Sesko can contribute against City. His lack of a full 90 minutes since returning means Carrick may be reluctant to ask too much too quickly, especially with a demanding schedule ahead.

Still, Sesko’s profile could make him a useful weapon. His pace gives United a way to attack space behind a high defensive line, while his size gives them a target when they need to play more directly. The Sabah game did not provide the same level of test that City will offer, but the goal was another useful step.

Carrick will want more than goals from Sesko on Sunday. United will need him to press, hold the ball up and make the runs that create space for Bruno Fernandes and the wide players.

For now, though, the manager can take encouragement from a striker who is recovering well, scoring regularly and building confidence before a major derby.