Manchester United’s charge toward a long-awaited return to Europe’s elite competition has found an unlikely catalyst in the late bursts of Benjamin Sesko, whose recent contributions have transformed tight contests into precious victories.
Head coach Michael Carrick summed up the striker’s steady rise with a simple description: growth. Sometimes gradual, sometimes dramatic, but unmistakable. In the past week, that growth has translated into match-winning moments.
Sesko’s decisive impact off the bench has earned United vital points at a critical stage of the season. Without him, Carrick’s side might have left both London and Merseyside empty-handed, potentially slipping from the Champions League race.
Instead, the 20-year-old has flipped narratives in back-to-back fixtures, first rescuing a point with a stoppage-time strike against West Ham United and then scoring the lone goal in a gritty 1-0 triumph over Everton.
The latter came on United’s first visit to Hill Dickinson Stadium, where the hosts applied constant pressure. Chances were scarce, space even scarcer, and it appeared destined for stalemate before Sesko intervened with force and precision.
Carrick has carefully managed the Slovenian’s minutes this season, often deploying him as an impact substitute. Recently, that strategy has begun to look inspired. His fresh legs and fearless mentality have unsettled tiring defenses.
Against West Ham, Sesko’s stoppage-time volley was pure instinct — a flash of technique that secured a draw when defeat loomed. But it was his latest effort that truly underlined his physical evolution and composure.
In the 71st minute at Everton, he initiated the move himself, laying the ball off before accelerating into open grass. Sprinting nearly the length of the pitch, he covered close to 70 yards at full speed to meet the return pass.
By the time Bryan Mbeumo squared the ball across goal, Sesko could have been forgiven for fatigue. Instead, he steadied himself and calmly slotted home, displaying the coolness of a veteran finisher rather than a young forward still finding his place.
Carrick praised the finish afterward, calling it “ruthless” and highlighting the striker’s growing belief. For a manager intent on building resilience, such decisiveness is invaluable.
The goal also earned admiration beyond United’s camp. On Sky Sports, pundits marveled at the sheer endurance required to sprint that distance and still maintain technical clarity.
Former defender Jamie Carragher noted how players typically appear exhausted after such runs, yet Sesko celebrated with energy to spare — a testament to his conditioning and hunger.
The result leaves United alone in fourth place, three points behind Aston Villa and three ahead of both Chelsea and Liverpool. In a congested table, those margins feel significant.
Momentum, too, can prove decisive. Carrick’s men appear increasingly confident, grinding out wins even when performances are imperfect. Sesko’s emergence has provided a new dimension — pace in transition and a clinical touch when opportunities arise.
Teammates have taken notice of his work rate. His willingness to track back, press defenders and chase lost causes has endeared him to supporters who value graft as much as glamour. Goals are simply the finishing touch.
Carrick insists patience remains key. The coach has repeatedly stressed that young players develop in stages, not leaps. Yet even he acknowledges the recent strides have been larger than expected.
With fixtures tightening and the race for fourth intensifying, United may need more of Sesko’s late heroics. The difference between Europa League football and Champions League nights can hinge on a single moment — or a single sprint. If the past week is any indication, Sesko is ready to keep running.
