Owen Hargreaves explains how United star’s “instincts” bailed his team out against West Ham

Benjamin Sesko salvaged a point for Manchester United from the jaws of defeat on Tuesday, 10 February, against West Ham United at the London Stadium. The Slovenian started from the bench on the night as caretaker manager Michael Carrick named an unchanged starting XI for the third game in a row. There was optimism about the Red Devils coming into the game, thanks to their four-game winning run since the Englishman took charge until the end of the season. However, the Hammers proved to be a tough nut to crack and kept United at bay for much of the game. To make matters worse, the London club took the lead in the 50th minute through Tomas Soucek. Carrick turned to Sesko in the 69th minute, bringing him on in place of Matheus Cunha, before throwing in Joshua Zirkzee in the 82nd minute. Just when it looked like West Ham had snatched away three precious points, the Slovenian scored to ensure that the Red Devils did not leave the capital empty-handed. In the process, Sesko also made a strong case to start under Carrick for the first time when they face Everton next in the Premier League. Sesko’s season so far United signed Sesko from RB Leipzig last summer in a reported £74 million move. The Slovenian was hot property in European football following an impressive campaign with the Bundesliga club, where he managed 21 goals and six assists in 45 appearances across competitions. Unfortunately, the 22 year old endured a slow start to life at the Theatre of Dreams, managing just two goals in 17 games in all competitions under former head coach Ruben Amorim. However, the Portuguese’s departure appears to have unleashed the Slovenian, who has now found the back of the net five times in his last six appearances in all competitions. Benjamin Sesko Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Premier League2111611-1,103′ FA Cup111—90′ EFL Cup11—-90′ Total 25/262313711-1,283′ Source: Transfermarkt. Sesko famously came off the bench against Arsenal at Old Trafford to score a late winner that secured a 3-2 victory. On Tuesday, he unleashed a first-time finish off Bryan Mbeumo’s delivery right at the death to ensure the Red Devils came away from London with a vital point. The Slovenian’s performance has now drawn praise from former United midfielder Owen Hargreaves. An instinctive finish Speaking to Premier League Productions, Hargreaves hailed Sesko’s instinctive finish. He said: ““That is a proper finish. Usually players snatch at it or volley, but he did a little finesse one. That is the only thing he can do because the defender is right in front of him.” “If he smashes it, then Disasi blocks it. It just shows you how instinctive footballers are. The timing and the feeling of it was executed beautifully.” The Slovenian is beginning to show why he was wanted by a host of clubs before United won the race for his signature. Meanwhile, a recent report relayed by The Peoples Person states that the Red Devils are convinced that the player will be a hit at Old Trafford. Final Thoughts Sesko has delivered some impressive cameos of late, and it is time for Carrick to pick him from the start. With Bruno Fernandes sizzling in the No. 10 role, the Slovenian could be key to United’s pursuit of a top-four finish this season. Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Deepungsu Pandit Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.