Interim coach says Benjamin Sesko “desperate” to do well
Michael Carrick says Manchester United’s positive run of form since his appointment in January holds special meaning for him.
United’s 2-1 comeback victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday not only preserved an unbeaten start for Carrick but lifted the side back into the Premier League’s top three. It is the first time United have been that high up in the league since May 2023.
“It’s nice obviously,” Carrick said. “This place means a lot to me, so to have so much positivity and everyone enjoying coming to the games and watching it, and me to obviously have an influence on that, I’m not going to lie, of course it feels good.”
Appointed following the January dismissal of Ruben Amorim, Carrick has overseen six wins and a draw in seven matches, restoring confidence to a squad that had drifted through much of the season. Still, he was quick to redirect praise toward the players responsible for the turnaround.
“I think the players have got to take a lot of credit for what they’ve put on the pitch,” said Carrick. “So it’s certainly not all me.
“But that connection with the supporters is huge, to feel that, and for them to stay with us, even after a bit of a slow start, and finish the game like that, yeah, it means a lot.”
The decisive moment arrived through Benjamin Sesko, whose rising header from a precise Bruno Fernandes cross secured victory after Fernandes had earlier equalised from the penalty spot. Sesko’s goal was his seventh in his last eight appearances for United across all competitions.
“Absolutely delighted for Ben,” Carrick said. “I’ve sat here the last few weeks telling you, it’s certainly not been a headache, not a big drama. He’s had a huge impact, but he’s also making big improvements. Some of it is just getting used to what it’s like to be here, the feelings, what it means to play, things we can take for granted.”
Carrick said the striker has made so much progress because he has been applying himself behind the scenes.
“He’s desperate to do well,” said Carrick. “He works so hard. He thinks about it an awful lot. He’s an absolute pleasure to work with. And today, yeah, he started, and it was a fantastic goal.
“We’ve got good flexibility across the front line, different roles, different options. It might change again on Wednesday, but it’s nice to have those options.”
When asked whether Sesko’s improvement comes from his rising confidence or tactics suiting him better, Carrick suggested both elements have played their part.
“Maybe a bit of both,” said United’s interim coach. “Since working closely with him, building that relationship and trust, I think that’s important. But he’s put the work in. He stayed positive. He’s a good player, that’s why he’s here. He’s got some great strengths, he’s such a real threat.
“It’s still early days for him, he’s so young. But he’s doing fantastic at the moment. And I’m really excited about where he can get to.”
