Is Carrick misusing Sesko?

Leaving Benjamin Sesko on the bench in Manchester United's victory over Aston Villa wasn't just a personnel decision; it also reflects how Michael Carrick is shaping the Red Devils' attack.

ZNews•16/03/2026

Sesko scored in Manchester United's 3-1 victory over Aston Villa.

When Manchester United's starting lineup was announced on the evening of March 15th, many were surprised that Benjamin Sesko was not included. Following his lackluster performance against Newcastle, the Slovenian striker was clearly not in top form.

However, Sesko wasn't the only one who underperformed that day. Bryan Mbeumo was also among the underperforming players, but Carrick still kept him in the starting lineup.

The attack is versatile, but lacks finishing ability.

Mbeumo was moved back to the central attacking position, where he had previously performed well against big rivals like Manchester City and Arsenal. Around the Cameroonian striker, Matheus Cunha and Amad Diallo moved flexibly, constantly changing positions. It was an attacking structure without a true center forward, but in return, it offered mobility and versatility.

In theory, Carrick is right. When not "confined" to a fixed number 9, MU's attacking line can constantly switch positions. Mbeumo can drift to the wing, Cunha can move into the center, and Amad can exploit the space behind the defense. Such diagonal movements help stretch the opponent's defensive system.

But football isn't just about tactical flexibility. It also needs a finisher.

Sesko came on as a substitute and shone.

Right from the start of the match, MU created several dangerous situations from both flanks. Cunha delivered a beautiful cross that went right through the 5.5-meter box. It was the kind of ball that could have resulted in a goal with just one touch. But only Amad Diallo was there, a player without a physical advantage, and the opportunity slipped away.

Diogo Dalot then delivered a very good cross. However, no one was tall or in a position to finish.

That was the paradox for MU in the first half: they kept crossing the ball, but lacked a central striker.

When Sesko becomes a reminder

In the first half, Manchester United made 14 crosses, but only one found its target. That number speaks not only to a lack of accuracy, but also reflects a somewhat contradictory tactical choice.

On the bench was Sesko, a tall, strong striker in aerial duels. The passes into the penalty area seemed tailor-made for him, but he wasn't the one receiving them.

Aston Villa realized this very quickly. With their tall central defensive pairing of Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa, they weren't worried about crosses. In fact, Villa even seemed comfortable when MU played the ball out wide. What they feared more were through-ball combinations through the center.

In other words, MU is playing in a way that makes it easier for opponents to defend.

It wasn't until the 20th cross of the match that Manchester United truly capitalized on this tactic. From a high ball, Casemiro headed in the opening goal. It was a beautiful and crucial finish.

But it also inadvertently highlights a question: if they chose to attack with crosses, why didn't MU use their best aerial striker from the start?

Since Carrick took over as interim manager, Sesko has only started two of nine games.

Since Carrick took over as interim manager, Sesko has only started two of nine games. This shows that it wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision. Carrick seems to prefer a more flexible attacking line-up rather than a classic center forward.

This approach is not without merit. In modern football, many teams succeed without a typical number 9. "False" strikers help teams control the ball better and create more attacking options.

But MU is still in the process of rediscovering its identity. And in some matches, especially when the opponent defends deep, the presence of a tall striker like Sesko can make a difference.

The goal scored by the Slovenian striker after coming on as a substitute in the second half was the clearest reminder.

It doesn't necessarily prove Carrick wrong. A player coming off the bench and making an impact is a reasonable tactic. But if it happens too often, the question grows bigger.

Carrick is building a more flexible and dynamic Manchester United. But sometimes, in football, the simplest thing is still having a striker in the right place to score goals.

And that's exactly what Sesko can offer.