Benjamin Šeško scored Manchester United’s third goal in Thursday’s 4-0 Champions League victory over Sabah, and Michael Carrick highlighted the qualities that make the striker a distinct attacking option for his side.
Šeško struck in the 45th minute as United established a commanding lead before the interval. After the final whistle, Carrick told reporters that the Slovenian offers a different kind of threat, pointing to the forward’s physicality, ability to play on the last line and speed when running in behind.
Carrick also welcomed Šeško’s return to this level after the player worked to regain his fitness. The head coach said he was pleased with the goals and minutes Šeško has collected, placing the Sabah display in the context of the striker’s continued involvement with the team.
A convincing night at Old Trafford
United completed a 4-0 win over Sabah in the Champions League. Matheus Cunha opened the scoring in the 27th minute, before Bruno Fernandes made it 2-0 in the 42nd. Šeško then scored in the 45th minute, with Lisandro Martinez adding the fourth goal in the 68th minute.
The result also gave Carrick the opportunity to involve younger players. Harry Amass and Shea Lacey were brought on, with Carrick saying it was important to get the pair onto the pitch for the club. He was pleased that the game developed in a way that allowed those appearances.
Patrick Dorgu made his first appearance in the competition and earned particular praise from Carrick. The coach said Dorgu was a major threat down his side of the pitch, created United’s opening goal and looked dangerous during the match.
For Carrick, the clean sheet carried significance as well. He said United have conceded goals in different ways this season, but felt the team had done many good things collectively against Sabah.
Why Šeško’s profile matters to Carrick
Carrick’s assessment focused on the specific attributes Šeško brings to United’s forward line. He identified the striker’s physical presence, his work on the last line of the opposition defence and his pace in behind as qualities that are not widely available.
That profile gives Carrick another option when selecting his attacking trio. Asked about the challenge of choosing between players currently in good form, Carrick said it is not an easy decision but one he prefers to have. He stressed that players must understand that, over a season, they may start some matches and finish others.
Carrick described that flexibility as necessary from game to game. He also said it was fantastic that the available attackers were in good form and had started the season well. Šeško’s goal against Sabah therefore arrived alongside a broader discussion about competition for places rather than as an isolated contribution.
Club Implications
The Sabah victory offered United a positive result, a clean sheet and opportunities to use both established players and younger members of the squad. Carrick said the side are always pushing for more, while acknowledging that results in the league had not delivered the number of points the club wanted.
He nevertheless said there were performance elements United had been looking for and had been pleased with. Carrick added that there are still things to improve, but described the different elements now present in the team compared with last season as encouraging.
Šeško’s contribution fits into that picture as Carrick considers the attacking options available to him. The coach’s comments made clear that the forward’s physical and running qualities are a valued part of the group.
What happens next
United return to action on Sunday when they face Manchester City in the derby at Old Trafford. Carrick said tougher tests are ahead and cautioned against getting carried away from game to game.
His message after Sabah was that United must continue pushing and progressing. The next fixture gives the squad an immediate opportunity to build on the performance and result from their Champions League win.