Michael Carrick insisted that handing Benjamin Sesko his first start was not a gamble, after the Slovenian striker scored the winning goal in Manchester United's victory over Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.
Sesko, who had previously impressed only as a substitute, headed home beyond Dean Henderson in the second half to secure all three points. The 21-year-old had been quiet in the opening period but made the decisive contribution when it mattered.
Speaking after the match, Carrick was full of praise for the forward's adaptation to English football. "(Starting Sesko) is not a gamble," he said. "It wasn't that big of a decision. Benjamin is in a good place and he has had a major impact in recent weeks. He's learning what it feels like to play here and to score the winner today is fantastic."
The goal takes Sesko's tally for the season to nine goals and two assists in 28 appearances, with six of those goals coming since the turn of the year.
Earlier, Bruno Fernandes had equalised from the penalty spot after Matheus Cunha was brought down by Maxence Lacroix. Carrick praised his captain's composure, noting that Henderson has saved many penalties. "Fernandes always steps up, he would never do anything else. It was big with the red card and the penalty," he added.
