Michael Carrick Defends Not Starting Benjamin Sesko

Michael Carrick, Benjamin Sesko situation 'a real positive'

Michael Carrick says Benjamin Sesko's situation is 'a real positive' for Manchester United, despite striker's red-hot form.

Carrick hopes for more from Harry Maguire amid contract uncertainty and Casemiro departure...

Michael Carrick has defended his decision not to start Benjamin Sesko, saying the striker's situation is “a real positive” for Manchester United.

Sesko has not started a Premier ‌League game since his brace in a 2-2 draw against Burnley last month when interim ‌boss Darren Fletcher was in charge.

Sesko's been on fire off the bench, scoring three goals in his last four games, but Carrick's not rushing to start him.

Our head coach was asked about the form of Benjamin Sesko in today's press conference 👀📈

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 27, 2026

“I just think the whole thing is a real positive. It's certainly not a decision that I look to in a negative way,” Carrick told reporters ahead of ‌Sunday's home game against Crystal Palace.

“We're playing well ⁠as a team we've been winning ‌games. I'm still not getting carried away and thinking that just carries on... Ben's been so good you know in so many ways for us. It's really not a drama.

"It just shows the quality Ben's got for what he's produced over the last few weeks. It's a good position for us to be in.”

Carrick's been getting flack for sticking to the same lineup, but he says it's a tough balance between winning and keeping everyone happy. United's doing alright under him, though - unbeaten with five wins and a draw in the Premier League.

“It's definitely something we're aware of... It's the challenge of managing the group. There's huge positives to it and the results we've had in playing well, winning games mostly,” he said.

“There's a balance to it but there's definitely a big positive to the fact that we're in a good run of form. Even though sometimes it's the same players on the pitch, game to game we've changed things.”

Michael Carrick's Manchester United so far... 🔥 👏 pic.twitter.com/IRMskIDTNY

— Sky Sports (@SkySports) February 24, 2026

Carrick expressed hope that there was a ‌lot more to come from Harry Maguire as questions swirl around the defender's contract situation.

The 32-year-old is in the final year of his ‌deal and Carrick emphasised the importance of retaining a leader like Maguire, especially with Brazilian midfielder Casemiro leaving at the end of the season.

“Experience is massive. Harry has gained an awful lot of experience in different ways through this club... We've seen that with ⁠Harry's performances of late, what he's ⁠brought to the team and ‌he's been so important.”

Michael Carrick's super sub, Benjamin Šeško 🔥 pic.twitter.com/5WH3oTK2Tn

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 26, 2026