Michael Carrick faces a significant yet intriguing challenge at Manchester United, which may actually bode well for young talent Benjamin Sesko.
Since taking the helm as head coach of Manchester United, Carrick has enjoyed a promising start. However, the current scarcity of matches presents both advantages and obstacles for him.
Recently, an injury suffered by Patrick Dorgu in a match against Arsenal simplified Carrick's decision-making process. Had Dorgu remained fit, it would have been fascinating to observe how the head coach would navigate a dilemma that seems likely to arise frequently.
Dorgu had made quite an impression by scoring two goals in consecutive games against Manchester City and Arsenal, seemingly securing his position on the left wing within Carrick’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation. Meanwhile, Matheus Cunha made notable contributions off the bench during those matches, tallying a goal and an assist, adding to Carrick’s conundrum.
During a post-match discussion following the Emirates Stadium clash, Carrick expressed his disappointment regarding Cunha not starting in either game. He highlighted how Cunha had transformed his frustration into a positive impact from the bench, demonstrating excellent management skills. Nonetheless, Carrick is seasoned enough to understand that this approach has its limits. After making such an impactful appearance as a substitute, Cunha deserves an opportunity to start.
The crux of the issue lies in the limited number of games available for United this season. Typically, in a standard campaign, there would be European fixtures or additional FA Cup matches providing more opportunities for players like Cunha. Currently, however, only league matches remain, with just a couple of midweek rounds scheduled before the season concludes. Given that Cunha had not started for three weeks following his impressive substitute performance, another benching for the upcoming Fulham match could lead to discontent.
While it is commendable to push players to make their mark when they come off the bench, it is equally important to recognize their efforts with a starting position; otherwise, their contributions can feel meaningless. Players may begin to feel as though no matter how well they perform in limited minutes, it won’t translate into a starting role.
This context makes it essential for Cunha to start against Fulham, regardless of the circumstances. Although Dorgu's injury is unfortunate for him, it inadvertently created a straightforward path for Cunha to rejoin the lineup.
Looking ahead, keeping the squad morale high will undoubtedly be one of Carrick’s greatest challenges over the next 14 matches. With only four games scheduled in both February and March, the need for rotation seems unlikely, especially since a consistent team is currently yielding results.
Another key player for Carrick to evaluate is Benjamin Sesko. He stood out during two games under Darren Fletcher but has found himself coming off the bench in all three matches since Carrick took charge, totaling only 25 minutes on the pitch during that time.
However, Sesko recently provided a significant boost by scoring a last-minute winner against Fulham, which Carrick described as a "huge moment" for the young striker. This achievement has likely fueled his confidence, and he now boasts four goals in his last four appearances for the club.
The question now is whether Carrick can maintain Sesko’s momentum with sporadic appearances as a substitute or if he needs to reward the talented young player for fulfilling his responsibilities and making an impactful contribution from the bench. It seems reasonable to argue that Sesko has earned a starting spot, particularly in the upcoming matches against Tottenham and West Ham.
