Michael Carrick believes Benjamin Sesko will continue to prove his importance to Manchester United as their bid for Champions League football gathers pace.
The Red Devils moved up to third in the Premier League after a 2-1 win over 10-man Crystal Palace at Old Trafford, with Bruno Fernandes also on target in the comeback win.
Maxence Lacroix had given Oliver Glasner’s side a four-minute lead but the Palace defender was controversially sent off early in the second half for withdrawing Matheus Cunha.
Fernandes stepped up to slot home the resulting penalty before the United captain sent a teasing cross into the box for Sesko to head home in the 65th minute.
Only Igor Thiago (seven) has scored more Premier League goals in 2026 than Sesko (six), who had scored just twice in 15 league games before this calendar year.
And while Carrick noted that there is still room for improvement in the Slovenian’s overall play, he added that his impact will be crucial for the final ten games of the season.
“Absolutely happy for Ben. It certainly hasn’t been a headache, it hasn’t been a big drama. He’s had a huge impact and he’s making big improvements,” Carrick said.
“It’s a little bit of getting used to what it’s like to be here and the feelings and what it means to play. Things that we can take for granted sometimes.”
“He wants to do well, he works so hard, it’s an absolute pleasure to work with him. Today he started and it was an absolutely fantastic goal. He brings an awful lot to the table.”
“We have good flexibility in the top line. The players up front can play different roles in the game, so there is a lot of flexibility.
“Amad took some time off today, but that could change again on Wednesday, but it’s good to have those options.”
23 – Michael Carrick has earned 23 points in nine Premier League games as manager of Manchester United (W7 D2 – including both spells). This is the joint-best total after nine games of any manager in the history of the competition, alongside Ange Postecoglou (also 23). Impression. pic.twitter.com/f49JBFgwmf
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 1, 2026
Carrick has recorded 23 points in nine Premier League games as United manager (W7 D2 – including both spells). This is the best start after nine games by any manager in the history of the competition, besides Ange Postecoglou (also 23 in the first nine).
The upturn in form has seen the Red Devils overtake Aston Villa and are now in pole position to seal a return to the Champions League.
And the Opta supercomputer has given them a 56.4% chance of finishing in the top four, although fifth place could also be enough to qualify for the Champions League, boosting United’s chances to 81.4%.
However, Carrick didn’t get too carried away, adding: “It was the way the game went, we overcame another challenge that is the biggest.
“We’ve moved up one place, which is nice, but it’s only one weekend, so we’re not going to get carried away with it. I think the boys will benefit a lot from that.”
“I think today was a test for us. Going into halftime behind is something new for us.”
“We didn’t start the game great, which is to Palace’s credit, but I thought we grew into the game as the half went on and in the second half we got back into the lead.
“It was a big task to overcome being a goal down so early, but coming back against a team that is hard to break and so well organized was a big step for us.”
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