- Carrick explains Sesko sub in Manchester United win
- Slovenian scored his 11th goal against Liverpool
- Injured in clash with Ibrahima Konate
Old Trafford was a rollercoaster of emotions on Sunday as Manchester United secured Champions League qualification. A dramatic 3-2 victory over Liverpool was enough to keep the Red Devils in third place.
Despite leading 2-0 at the halftime break, fans were left questioning the half-time substitution of star striker Benjamin Sesko. The forward controversially scored his eleventh goal of the season, which looked like it sealed the win before the break. However, a second-half comeback from the Kop puts victory in doubt before a Kobbie Mainoo winner.
Especially before Mainoo scored, his early exit seemed all the more puzzling. Now, head coach Michael Carrick has revealed exactly why he was forced to withdraw the Slovenian.
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Carrick Provides Explanation on Sesko Sub
Speaking to MUTV after the match, Carrick provided some clarity to clear the air with fans. The interim boss said: “He [Sesko] got a bang on his shin when he fell down the side of the pitch.”
Sesko’s afternoon was cut short following a physical duel with Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate. Bizarrely, Sesko was brushed off the pitch and down the Old Trafford turf dip, before colliding with the LED advertising boards.
Carrick continued: “It’s something that he’s been carrying for a little bit as well, so we’ve had to manage him a bit, but he’s certainly had a bang right on the same spot. It’s as simple as that really.”
Without Sesko as a focal point, United struggled without his hold-up play and natural presence up the pitch. He was replaced by Amad Diallo at half-time, who has struggled in recent months to recapture the form of last season.
Precaution Was Right Move
Carrick’s decision to substitute Sesko at the break was the right one made at the time. United thought the job was done, and even risked losing the 330-match streak of not losing at Old Trafford whilst leading at half-time.
Beknownst to fans, a pre-existing shin injury was carefully being managed. Risking further damage in a high-intensity derby would have been reckless, especially as United don’t have a deputy number nine. Bryan Mbuemo is currently considered as ‘second choice’ in the role, despite being a starter.
Without a traditional target man to hold up the ball in the second half, Carrick’s side had to weather the storm before Mainoo’s fortunate winner. With European football on the horizon, this is exactly the sort of in-game decisions that Carrick will have to take on next season – if appointed permanently.
At least for the next three games, Carrick can now relax about not having to risk Sesko. United will next play Sunderland on Saturday (9 May).
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