Benjamin Sesko scored a classic centre-forward's goal as Manchester United eased to a 4-0 Champions League win over Azerbaijani side Sabah, sending a clear message to manager Michael Carrick ahead of Sunday's derby against Manchester City.
Sent clear by Bryan Mbeumo's pass just before half-time, Sesko took the contact from a rash challenge by goalkeeper Stas Pokatilov, stayed upright and finished routinely. It is what natural-born central strikers do.
Carrick's selection dilemma
From a formality of a night against hapless opponents, Carrick learnt little of significance, but he was reminded that Sesko is a line-leader, an identikit number nine, even though he does not have it on his back. The Slovenian attacker has yet to start a Premier League match this season but will surely become the regular spearhead of this attack. His angry-looking celebrations tell you he believes he should be starting every game.
It will be interesting to see if Carrick goes with him against Manchester City. As soon as Sesko had hit United's third of the night, the manager's thoughts must have drifted towards Sunday's challenge.
Defensive concerns remain
The nature of the game gave Carrick the chance to try a new defensive combination, but different personnel did not completely erase familiar failings. They were never going to be costly against an extremely limited attacking unit, but there was still a distinct lack of assurance on the rare occasions the champions of Azerbaijan threatened.
Harry Maguire and Diogo Dalot are expected to return for the Manchester derby, and if fit, Luke Shaw - allowed a night off after cramp against Everton - will probably return. In attacking mode, Patrick Dorgu set up the opening goal for Matheus Cunha, but defensively he was exposed a couple of times, not least when Joy-Lance Mickels somehow failed to head home a sitter.
Youth get their chance
Mickels' regret arrived fairly instantly as Bruno Fernandes applied side-footed justice to a Youri Tielemans assist. After Sesko's finish, any pretence of a meaningful contest was shelved. Sesko was withdrawn just after the hour mark, which might augur well for his chances of making Sunday's starting line-up, and Joshua Zirkzee was involved in a comedy fourth for United eventually claimed by Lisandro Martinez.
That was the signal for Carrick to give an outing to youngsters Harry Amass and Shea Lacey, who enjoyed 20 minutes in the Champions League limelight. It was a pleasant end to a pleasant, if bloodless, return to the grand European stage.
