Manchester United Striker Benjamin Sesko Remains Patient Amid Limited Starting Opportunities
The 22-year-old Slovenia international, Benjamin Sesko, has expressed a remarkably mature perspective regarding his current role at Manchester United. Despite not starting a single match in head coach Michael Carrick's first six games in charge, the young forward insists he is not preoccupied with securing a place in the starting eleven.
Impactful Contributions from the Bench
Sesko's attitude is particularly noteworthy given his recent form. Coming off the bench for the third time in four matches, he scored the only goal in Monday's Premier League victory at Everton. This follows a stoppage-time equaliser at West Ham a fortnight ago, which helped maintain Carrick's unbeaten start since taking over from the sacked Ruben Amorim.
His three goals as a substitute have directly earned United seven points from a possible nine, a contribution arguably more significant than any other player during this period. This surge has propelled United into fourth place, just three points behind Aston Villa, making Champions League qualification appear increasingly likely.
A Philosophy Focused on Team Success
After the Everton match, Carrick publicly praised Sesko's attitude. The striker himself elaborated on his mindset, stating he is simply happy to help the side and is not pressuring his manager for a starting role. "We are talking, of course, but he believes in me, everyone believes in me, they are getting me ready to start as soon as possible," Sesko said.
He emphasised that his focus is on performance, not minutes. "It's more about me showing up when it's important, no matter how many minutes I'm getting, and focusing on delivering and trying to help the team secure the wins. I'm not even thinking about 'I have to start, I have to start'. If I get five minutes, I'm going to use them. For me it's just about trying to enjoy and delivering for the team."
Embracing Pressure and Finding Form
Sesko also addressed the concept of pressure, viewing it as a necessary component for growth. "The pressure is something that, if I want to be a good player, it's something that I have to have. It's something that has (to be there) if you want to play at the highest level and it's about accepting it and not really caring about it."
This mindset appears to be paying dividends. After a slow start following his £66 million summer move from RB Leipzig, where he managed just two goals in his first 17 matches, Sesko has found his rhythm with six goals in his last seven games across all competitions.
Building Connections and Crediting Coaching
The striker attributes his improved form to the growing understanding with fellow new signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, who combined for his goal at Goodison Park. "We are understanding each other," he added. "There is a lot on the training field where we are working a lot. Bryan made a pass because he saw that I was running, he saw that I wanted that ball. That's what it's about to have such quality in the team."
Furthermore, Sesko dismissed recent rumours that he had sought advice from former United striker Dimitar Berbatov to improve his finishing. Instead, he credited the current coaching staff, particularly Carrick's assistant Travis Binnion. "I have heard the rumours but I didn't have any conversation (with Berbatov). I would like to, definitely, it would be really nice – but I didn't."
He explained the specific work being done: "Coaching staff are doing individual work each day which is really helping me to focus on these kind of moments and I'm really happy that I can work with (Travis) because he's helped me a lot. Always after training it's work in the box, on the edge of the box, short contacts because in the Premier League you don't have time. This is where it's really helping me and not just me but also the other players."
As Manchester United continues its push for a top-four finish, Benjamin Sesko's patience, professionalism, and potent contributions from the bench are proving to be invaluable assets for Michael Carrick's side.
