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Criticized for not giving Benjamin Sesko a starting spot, Michael Carrick is responding with goals and points for Manchester United. |
Michael Carrick once again raised questions among fans by leaving Benjamin Sesko on the bench. But once again, that decision was linked to a Manchester United victory. When the result spoke for itself, all the controversy immediately subsided.
The Paradox of Carrick's Choice
9, 16, 15, 21, 32. That's the number of minutes Sesko played in his last 5 matches under Carrick. A number that's enough to make those who admire the Slovenian striker feel impatient.
The £85 million signing isn't getting a starting place, despite his impressive goalscoring form. For many teams, a striker like that would be the first choice. But at Manchester United right now, things aren't that simple.
Carrick had reason to be cautious. He wasn't the one who signed Sesko. He arrived on an interim basis, at a time when MU needed stability and points more than long-term experimentation. Therefore, all of Carrick's personnel decisions were geared towards immediate results.
From the outside, Sesko's constant benching might be misinterpreted as a lack of trust. But on the pitch, it's a completely different story.
Sesko scored in the emotional 3-2 victory against Fulham. He scored the equalizer against West Ham, saving the Red Devils from a possible defeat. And in the early hours of February 24th, his goal secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over Everton in the 27th round of the Premier League.
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Sesko is still showing great form recently. |
Three appearances from the bench, three significant contributions. Not meaningless goals, but game-changing plays. This makes Carrick's strategy, however controversial, seem like a calculated move.
Sesko isn't the type of striker who participates heavily in short passing combinations or constant pressing throughout the 90 minutes. His strengths lie in his speed, acceleration, and finishing ability when given space.
When the opponent is in top form, the space behind the defense is often stifled. But in the second half, everything changes. The pace slows down. Defenders start to become half a beat slower. And that's when Sesko becomes a weapon.
Carrick seemed to have read that. He waited until the game opened up before making his decisive move. From Fulham to West Ham, then Everton, the scenario almost repeated itself. Manchester United struggled. Carrick adjusted. Sesko appeared. And the goal came.
Ahead of the trip to Merseyside, the pressure on Carrick was considerable. English media, including the Manchester Evening News , suggested it was time for Sesko to start. The basis of this argument was not weak.
When Darren Fletcher was in charge on an interim basis, Manchester United drew 2-2 with Brighton, and Sesko scored a brace right out of the starting lineup. He also scored in the FA Cup defeat to Brighton. These performances created confidence that Sesko could lead the attack.
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Sesko is playing the role of Manchester United's super-sub. |
However, when Carrick took over, the situation changed. Sesko didn't play in the 2-0 win against Manchester City. Against Arsenal, he only played the last nine minutes.
In matches against Fulham, Spurs, West Ham, and Everton, Sesko started from the bench. The difference between the two periods led fans to believe that the Slovenian striker had not yet fully won over Carrick.
That might be true. But it could also be a matter of belief, a matter of role. Carrick doesn't deny Sesko's ability. He just uses him differently. Not as a starting center, but as a finishing threat.
Carrick's reasoning
From a tactical standpoint, it was a risky choice. An expensive signing usually comes with expectations of starting. If Sesko had been quiet when he came on, Carrick would certainly have faced heavy criticism for "wasting" £85 million. But when the striker consistently scored, the story changed.
Fans began talking about Carrick's ability to read the game. They praised him for knowing when to deliver the decisive blow. They saw the necessary pragmatism of an interim manager, at a time when MU couldn't afford to take risks.
However, the paradox persists. The more goals Sesko scores from the bench, the bigger the question becomes about his starting place. If he's sharp enough to decide games, why not give him more time? Can the "super-sub" strategy be sustained in the long run, or will it eventually limit the player's potential?
Carrick probably understands better than anyone that this season is a game-by-game race. He doesn't need to prove a grand philosophy. He needs points. And so far, his decisions have paid off.
Manchester United beat Fulham. MU didn't lose to West Ham. MU overcame Everton. In all three scenarios, Sesko played a crucial role coming off the bench.
Perhaps later, when circumstances change, Sesko will become the irreplaceable number one striker. But for now, he is a strategic asset. And when that strategy consistently yields goals, it's hard to say Carrick was wrong.
In football, right or wrong is sometimes measured only by the scoreline. And at this moment, Carrick is still right.
Source: https://znews.vn/carrick-van-dung-with-sesko-police-post1629774.html
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