Gary Lineker left surprised by how Carrick has used promising Man United star

Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko has struggled to get a consistent run in the team despite the club failing to sign another striker this summer. The Slovenian arrived at Old Trafford last summer from RB Leipzig in a reported £74 million deal.

Sesko was expected to spearhead a new-look attack alongside Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, aiming to power the Red Devils back to the top. The player had a slow start to life at the Theatre of Dreams, especially under former head coach Ruben Amorim, registering just two goals in his first 17 games.

However, the Slovenian found his scoring boots at the turn of the year, after the Portuguese’s departure, and ended the campaign with 12 goals in all competitions. Nevertheless, United were in the market for a new No. 9 this summer, especially with Joshua Zirkzee’s future uncertain.

The Dutchman, though, ended up staying, and with the Red Devils also failing to sign a striker, Sesko was tipped to shoulder greater responsibility this season. Unfortunately, the player has struggled for game time so far.

Sesko’s mixed start to the new campaign

Sesko missed the final weeks of last season after picking up an injury against Liverpool in May. That also kept him sidelined for the pre-season games, but the player returned to full fitness just ahead of the opening game of the new season.

However, Michael Carrick opted to deploy Matheus Cunha in the No. 9 role against Hull City, leaving Sesko on the bench. The 23 year old did come on after the break with United trailing 2-0, but failed to salvage the game.

The English manager continued his false-nine approach against Ipswich Town, with Sesko only granted 10 minutes off the bench in the 5-2 win. The Slovenian was on the substitute bench against Everton earlier this month as well, but came on in the second half to score his first goal of the season in the 2-2 draw.

That earned him a place in the starting XI in the Red Devils’ Champions League tie against Sabah last week, where he scored again in the 4-0 win. Unfortunately, it was not enough to help him retain his place in the Manchester derby, in which Carrick again opted for a false 9.

Sesko entered the pitch in the 67th minute with the team trailing 1-0 against 10-man City, but could not make an impact. England legend Gary Lineker has now questioned Carrick’s use of the Slovenian this season.

Benjamin Sesko Stats: 2026/27 Season

Source: Transfermarkt.

United lacking in attack

Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Lineker struggled to understand why Sesko was not starting games this season for United. He said: “Up top, they look like they (United) are lacking. I mean, they’ve got Sesko on the bench.”

“It’s odd that – I mean he comes on, and he has scored in games – but you wonder why he’s not getting a starting place. They’ve got [Matheus] Cunha… he’s more of a No.10, isn’t he? Rather than a nine. And [Bryan] Mbeumo plays mostly off the right and, obviously, [Marcus] Rashford was on the left.”

“You kept looking at it, and you think, ‘Are you going to get someone up top? Are you going to bring the big man on?’ And then he (Sesko) did come on, but a bit late.”

Only Bruno Fernandes (4) has scored more goals than Sesko (2) this season for United.

Final Thoughts

Sesko is likely to return to the team against Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday in the EFL Cup. The Slovenian will be desperate to make the most of his chance this week and push for a start against Fulham this weekend in the Premier League.

Featured image by Stu Forster via Getty Images