Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko has made a significant impact on his return from injury, scoring two goals in two games, signalling his return to form ahead of Sunday’s Premier League derby against Manchester City.

The 23-year-old Slovenian forward started his first game in four months in Manchester United’s 4-0 Champions League victory over Sabah FK, a match described by the BBC as a far weaker test than United’s typical Champions League challenges. This performance, which included a goal, followed an earlier close-range header against Everton while coming off the bench.

Sesko’s Immediate Impact and Playing Style

Sesko’s presence on the pitch immediately made Manchester United a “much more effective unit”, according to the BBC. At 6ft 5in, he offers a physical threat that United’s other strikers, such as Matheus Cunha, lack. While Cunha often drifts and drops back, leaving a gap in attack, Sesko pushes defences back, is difficult to dispossess, and runs directly at opponents.

His goal against Sabah FK saw him capitalise on a Bryan Mbeumo pass, moving the ball swiftly past goalkeeper Stas Pokatilov before finishing into an empty net. Sesko told TNT, “I saw him rushing out, and it was a great opportunity to take the ball away from him and make the goal a little bit easier.”

Manager Michael Carrick praised Sesko’s unique attributes, stating: “He definitely offers a different kind of threat. There’s not many around that kind of give you what Ben does in terms of his physique, his physicality, playing on the last line and his speed to run in behind. He’s a real threat.”

Recovery from a Persistent Shin Injury

Sesko’s recent starts mark his full return after a persistent shin issue that had troubled him since March, even impacting his debut season and pre-season preparations. The injury, described by The Athletic as exacerbated by Ibrahim Konate’s challenge during a May match against Liverpool, led to a cautious recovery approach.

The forward revealed to Goal.com that the medical staff’s decision to delay his full return was crucial: “It was basically just to make sure that it doesn’t get worse because this was kind of a problem. We just need a little bit longer than usual, because if you start too early, it might appear again.” He also explained that he used his recovery time to gain muscle, later adding cardio to sharpen his physique. “Now I feel very good and I think I’m in the right place at the moment,” he added.

Sesko, who scored 12 goals in 32 games in his debut season, feels fully settled in Manchester. He stated, “I’m happy here, I love life here, my team-mates are perfect and I can’t really complain about anything.”

Derby Dilemma for Carrick

Michael Carrick now faces a “big decision” regarding his starting XI for Sunday’s Manchester derby. Given Sesko’s recent performances, the BBC suggests he “should get the nod”. This would then prompt Carrick to choose between Matheus Cunha, who also scored against Sabah, and Marcus Rashford for the left-wing position. Rashford, an unused substitute against Sabah, has yet to score or assist since returning to United, though his pace remains a consistent threat.

Carrick acknowledged the challenge: “It’s not an easy decision, of course it’s not. But it’s definitely one I’d prefer: to have goals in the team and for the boys to be playing well.”

Implications for North West Rivals

Sesko’s return to form signals a significant boost for Manchester United, potentially altering their attacking dynamics. His physical presence and direct approach could pose new challenges for opposing defences, including those of North West rivals such as Manchester City. The injury that previously hampered him was notably exacerbated during a game against Liverpool, adding a layer of regional relevance to his recovery and current impact. For updates on other North West clubs, readers can refer to Liverpool & Everton Manager Updates: Grealish and Gakpo.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How many goals has Benjamin Sesko scored recently?
• A: He has scored two goals in two games since returning to action for Manchester United.
• Q: When was Benjamin Sesko’s last start before the Sabah FK game?
• A: His last start before the Champions League match against Sabah FK was in March, against Liverpool.
• Q: What was the nature of Benjamin Sesko’s injury?
• A: He was recovering from a persistent shin issue, which was a result of a kick and an ‘overload’ during the previous season.
• Q: What decision does Michael Carrick face for the Manchester City derby?
• A: Carrick must decide whether to start Benjamin Sesko in the upcoming Premier League derby against Manchester City, or revert to other attacking options.