Benjamin Sesko has emerged as Manchester United’s super-sub, scoring three decisive goals in his last four appearances and pushing for a first start under Michael Carrick against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Sunday. The 22-year-old, a £74m signing, struggled early in the Premier League — managing just two goals in his first 16 games — so Carrick sensibly eased him into the team while a fluid front three delivered big results against Manchester City and Arsenal.
Those early cautionary steps are becoming harder to justify. Sesko’s recent strikes rescued United in less-than-convincing displays at West Ham and Everton, and his late winner against Fulham was part of a run that has delivered seven points for United in their fight for Champions League qualification. Without those goals, United would sit sixth and four points behind Liverpool.
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville says Sesko should start at Old Trafford. Neville argues that Sesko looks stronger physically and more confident, and that the young striker has effectively signalled he belongs in the starting XI after his celebration at Everton. Sesko himself has downplayed the starting debate, insisting his focus is on helping the team, but his reaction on Merseyside suggested he wants a regular role.
Who would make way? To accommodate Sesko, one of the players who have started the last four games — Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha or Amad Diallo — would likely be left out. Amad was the one substituted for Sesko at Everton, and Neville expects Carrick to repeat that switch: Cunha left, Mbeumo right, Sesko through the middle with Bruno Fernandes behind. Neville said Amad would “just slip out for a game,” but stressed Sesko must be rewarded for scoring winners and equalisers.
Form and expectation
Sesko has been prolific in 2026, averaging a goal every 55 minutes during that period and matching Viktor Gyokeres’ haul in far fewer minutes. United and Arsenal both looked at him during the summer transfer window amid debate over whether a young, expensive striker was the right move — comparisons were made with Rasmus Hojlund, who was signed for big money and later moved on.
So far, Sesko’s impact has mainly come from the bench: three of his five United goals have been as a substitute, with the other two scored against promoted side Burnley. The real test will come if he becomes a regular starter and is asked to carry the goalscoring burden over a sustained run.
Neville warned about the pressure that accompanies a high-priced striker at Manchester United but believes Sesko is starting to deliver and can be more than a “super-sub.” He suggested perfection isn’t necessary: if Sesko can be a nuisance to defenders, contribute goals, hold the ball up and link play, he will be a valuable No. 9. Reaching double figures this season, given United’s difficult start, would represent a strong first campaign.
Sesko accepts the scrutiny. “The pressure is something that, if I want to be a good player, it’s something that I have to have,” he said, adding that to play at the highest level you must accept the pressure and not be bothered by it.
Carrick now faces a selection call: stick with the front three that started earlier in the season or reward Sesko for recent game-changing contributions by giving him the centre-forward role against Crystal Palace.
Watch Man Utd vs Crystal Palace on Sunday, live on Sky Sports, kick-off 2pm.