Benjamin Šeško’s return to form has given Manchester United manager Michael Carrick a timely attacking lift ahead of Sunday’s Premier League derby against Manchester City. The 23-year-old striker has scored in consecutive appearances after returning from a shin injury that kept him out for almost three months.
Šeško made an immediate impact as a substitute in last weekend’s 2–2 draw at Everton, coming on for the final 20 minutes and scoring late to earn United a point. He followed that goal with another in Thursday’s 4–0 Champions League victory over Sabah at Old Trafford, making his first start since May in United’s return to European football’s leading competition.
The Slovenian striker scored just before half-time against Sabah after Bryan Mbeumo released him through the middle. Šeško timed his run well, rounded goalkeeper Stas Pokatilov and kept his balance before rolling the ball into an empty net. It was his first home goal of the season and continued a promising return from injury.
Matheus Cunha opened the scoring in the 27th minute before Bruno Fernandes doubled United’s lead from the penalty spot in the 42nd. Šeško made it three shortly before the interval, while Lisandro Martínez completed the scoring in the 68th minute after a move involving Joshua Zirkzee.
Carrick said Šeško offers a profile that few forwards can match.
“There’s not many around that give you what Ben does in terms of physicality, playing on the last line and his speed to run in behind,” Carrick said. “It’s great to have him back at this level after him working to get his fitness back. A couple of goals, good minutes in him, we’re really pleased with him.”
Šeško was withdrawn after 64 minutes against Sabah as Carrick managed his workload ahead of the derby. He has not yet completed a full match since returning last month, but his recent minutes and goals have strengthened his case to start against City.
The striker said his Old Trafford goal provided an important boost after his extended lay-off.
“Definitely, the confidence boost here is definitely big,” Šeško said. “Now, it’s important to recover very well and obviously focus on the derby.”
United’s victory over Sabah offered the ideal preparation in terms of result, with a clean sheet and four goals, but the Manchester derby will present a far greater test. Šeško’s ability to occupy defenders, attack space behind the defensive line and provide a direct outlet could be especially valuable as Carrick considers how to challenge City on Sunday.
