Michael Carrick has named his Manchester United starting lineup for their encounter with Everton tonight (February 23rd). Fans haven’t had much to complain about since his appointment, but weren’t too happy about one of his team selection decisions.
The club’s former midfielder is looking to make it five wins out of six games at Hill Dickinson. His side are on track for a return to Champions League football, sitting fifth, level on points with fourth-placed Chelsea.
United can return to fourth with a win against Everton, whom they will be eager to avenge. A 1-0 loss at Old Trafford in November was one of the lowest points of the season.
No Sesko or Martinez
Carrick has been forced to tinker with his side that drew 1-1 against West Ham United last time out. Lisandro Martinez misses the game due to a calf injury sustained in training.
The Argentine is expected to be back in training this week, and that could mean he’s available for Crystal Palace’s visit to Old Trafford on Sunday. He has been part of the Reds’ incredible unbeaten run, which nearly ended at the London Stadium fortnight ago.
That was until Benjamin Sesko came off the bench in the second half and scored a last-gasp equaliser. It was the second time the Slovenian striker had come to the rescue for Carrick.
Sesko scored a brilliant winner in a 3-2 win against Fulham last month. He’s chomping at the bit to start under his new coach, but Carrick has opted to continue with Bryan Mbeumo as the focal point of his side’s attack.
Fans ‘disappointed’
Carrick’s decision didn’t go down too well with fans on X. Some feel he should place his faith in United’s number nine, who arrived from RB Leipzig for £73m last summer.
One fan wrote:
“Disappointed to see Sesko not start, to be honest. Played two games against two teams who are the worst at defending crosses (Everton & West Ham) and he proved his worth in the last game from deep box situations. But let’s see, I do feel for Sesk though. Deserved a start.”
Another supporter has concerns about Carrick, “First red flag from Carrick icl. Benching sesko makes no sense at all.”
One fan added, “Sesko is a shame. Really think he suits physical games like these where we won’t be gifted with tonnes of space.”
Sesko’s goal against West Ham means he’s bagged six goals in 21 league games. He has started just 11 of those appearances.
Another supporter feels Sesko was ideal to start against David Moyes’ defence, “The only mistake Michael Carrick has made so far, is not starting Sesko against West Ham. Everton will be a very similar game, he simply has to start.”
One added, “Not sure why Sesko keeps getting benched, to be honest.”
This was echoed by another Red, “Surprised to see two right footed CBs & even more shocked to see no Sesko again especially if Everton sit off & don’t track his runs like West Ham did ultimately rendering the positional movement/fluidity of the front four meaningless. But more than enough to win.”
The only change to the team that drew against West Ham is Leny Yoro coming into defence for Martinez. In Carrick’s defence, his side have had two weeks off to refresh after looking somewhat fatigued at the London Stadium.
Carrick explains Sesko snub
When Carrick replaced Amorim in January, many were keen for him to start getting the best out of Sesko. The jury was out on the Slovenian, with even the likes of Gary Neville questioning him during his debut season at United.
Carrick has constantly spoken highly of the former Leipzig man and what he offers to the team. He seemed to suggest he wants to be patient with the towering centre-forward, allowing him to continue adapting to English football.
The United interim coach told Sky Sports:
“He’s still learning, he’s still young, and he’s still learning, he’s still adapting to kind of life here as well. I’m delighted the way he’s going. He’s taking big steps, even in the short time we’ve been together. And he’s in a good place. There’s a little bit of being, I wouldn’t say, careful. I think this is managing it as well. And he’s ready.”
Carrick added:
“He’s ready. He looks like a real threat. He looks like a real presence. He’s confident. We’ve got selections to make, and it’s not always straightforward, but certainly haven’t been to come on and finish games, as he has done recently, is a great thing for us to have. He’s going to be a big player at this club. For a long time, I’ve been hugely impressed with what he’s done already, but I think there’s loads more to come from him, so I’m really excited about that.“
If Sesko is going to make an impact tonight, it will have to be off the bench once again. Perhaps this Sunday’s game against Palace will finally be the right time for him to lead the line from the off.
