- Manchester United star’s agent Basanovic rejects ‘super sub’ label
- Says he prefers the term ‘super striker’
- Sesko has scored four goals off the bench under Carrick
Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko’s agent Elvis Basanovic has dismissed the ‘super sub’ tag, instead branding the in-form forward a “super striker.”
“If you ask me about this name, I don’t like it. I like ‘super striker’ much more. I think Benjamin is a super striker,” Basnovic said.
“He has started 13 games this year, coming off the bench in 13 games. He scored half of his goals when he started the game and half when he came off the bench.
“We can see that he is a complete striker and Benjamin is someone who deserves the name ‘super striker’.”
And while many have grown accustomed to Sesko’s impact from the bench, his agent is right to point out that the forward has scored just as many goals when handed a start; though he may have tweaked that stat slightly to his favour.
On vs off the bench
Sesko has scored five goals whilst starting this season, the same amount from the bench. But under Carrick, he has become something far more surgical, a late-game detonator sent into tiring defences with ruthless precision.
It is not that Sesko has proven to be ineffective while starting; quite the opposite.
The 6ft 5in Manchester United star becomes a dangerous threat against tired legs, a looming presence who can score with either foot, and a constant menace in the air when he rises to meet the ball.
Let’s go through his starting vs off-the-bench stats.
The data below reflects matches under interim manager Michael Carrick:
| Sesko starting | Sesko on the bench |
| Games – 2 | Games – 7 |
| Minutes – 165 | Minutes – 127 |
| Goals – 1 | Goals – 4 |
| Minutes per goal – 165 | Minutes per goal – 31.75 |
| Points earned per goal – 3 | Points earned per goal – 7 |
While the sample size remains small, the contrast is still striking. Under Carrick, Sesko scores at a rate five times higher when emerging from the bench than when leading the line from the start.
These goals off the bench, in fact, earned him the Players’ Football Association Fans Player of the Month award for February.
What is next for Sesko?
With just seven games remaining this season for Manchester United and Sesko, the forward has precious little time to convince Carrick—or whoever follows—that he merits a place as a full-time starter.
While he may tolerate a place on the bench for now, there is little doubt the restlessness will soon set in, and the Slovenian will begin to crave a more prominent role.
His commitment to the squad has been evident, however, with Sesko withdrawing from the Slovenian setup to manage an unspecified issue that has lingered for several weeks, prioritising a full recovery in the hope of helping United close out the season at full tilt.
Manchester United’s next game is 19 days away as they face rivals Leeds in the battle of the roses.
Sesko will be hoping to be on the mark, yet again, as he looks to bolster United’s Champions League qualification.
