Former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has publicly advised current manager Michael Carrick to maintain Benjamin Sesko in a substitute role, despite the Slovenian striker's recent match-saving contributions. This recommendation follows Sesko's dramatic injury-time equaliser against West Ham United, which secured a 1-1 draw at the London Stadium.
Sesko's Bench Impact Continues to Impress
The £74 million summer signing from RB Leipzig demonstrated his clinical finishing once again with a superb late strike against West Ham, marking his fifth goal in just six appearances. However, significantly, Sesko has started only two of those matches, with Carrick consistently preferring Bryan Mbeumo as the central attacking focal point in the starting lineup.
Hargreaves' Analysis of the Super-Sub Role
Analysing the situation for Premier League Productions, Hargreaves emphasised the tactical benefits of utilising Sesko from the bench. 'It was a brilliant finish from him, and I think he is proving to be a little bit more effective coming off the bench,' Hargreaves stated. 'The balance of the starting XI looks really good. For a young player, when you can watch a game from the side then come on and have an impact, I think it's working for him.'
Hargreaves, who won multiple trophies during his time at Old Trafford, believes the reduced pressure of a substitute appearance currently suits the 23-year-old. 'I think there is less pressure on him when he comes from the bench. It was a fabulous finish, and he will be delighted,' he added, acknowledging the quality of Sesko's latest intervention.
Carrick's Substitution Timing Under Scrutiny
The debate around Sesko's role intensified as Manchester United struggled to break down a resilient West Ham defence after falling behind to Tomáš Souček's first-half goal. Carrick eventually introduced Sesko in the 69th minute, a decision the manager later reflected upon.
'We could have changed things a little bit earlier,' Carrick admitted in his post-match comments. 'That's obviously the decision we're always trying to make, and we were actually having a bit of a spell in the game at that point where we thought we might come back into it. But when Ben came on the pitch, he made a big difference.'
Growing Calls for a Starting Berth
Sesko's impactful cameo against West Ham, following a similarly sensational late winner against Fulham earlier in February, has inevitably increased calls for his promotion to the starting eleven. Despite being named among the substitutes against both Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham, his productivity is undeniable.
The striker has now registered seven goals across 23 appearances in all competitions this season. His consistent output from limited minutes presents Carrick with a pleasant selection dilemma ahead of United's next Premier League fixture away to Everton on 23rd February.
While fan and media pressure may grow for Sesko to start, Hargreaves' expert opinion provides a compelling counter-argument. It highlights the strategic value of a potent impact player who can change games in the latter stages, a luxury that Carrick may be reluctant to sacrifice despite the striker's obvious talent.
