Gary Neville has described Manchester United's improvement under Michael Carrick as a 'complete transformation' and backed Benjamin Sesko to become a 'game-changing' signing for the club.
The former defender was speaking after United's 2-1 win over Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Sunday, their third consecutive victory under caretaker boss Carrick. Palace took an early lead through Maxence Lacroix, but the defender was sent off midway through the second half for denying Matheus Cunha a goalscoring opportunity. Bruno Fernandes converted the resulting penalty past former United goalkeeper Dean Henderson, and Sesko headed in the winner soon after.
Sesko's seventh goal in eight games lifted United to third in the Premier League, above Aston Villa and Liverpool, and within eight points of second-placed Manchester City. Neville, speaking on his Sky Sports podcast, was particularly impressed with the Slovenian's performance and believes Carrick is getting the best out of him.
'That goal is an absolute beauty, a proper header,' Neville said. 'He's got confidence now and he's definitely improved enormously. Michael Carrick didn't pick him until today, so he obviously had doubts, but he's working Sesko into form. That's a game-changer for United because they cannot have another centre-forward come to the club and fail.'
Neville also praised the impact of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, but stressed Sesko's development could allow United to focus on other areas in the summer, such as midfield and defence. He added: 'Michael Carrick has doubled or trebled the value of this squad. He's made players we doubted look really good. It's a complete transformation.'
United next travel to St James' Park to face Newcastle United on Wednesday night.
