Carrick predicts Sesko will be a key player at Man Utd for years to come

Michael Carrick predicted Benjamin Sesko will be a key player at Manchester United for years to come after the striker reprised his super-sub role against Everton.

Having come off the bench to score result-altering goals against Fulham and West Ham in recent weeks, Sesko made another telling contribution as a substitute on Monday.

He capped a devastating counter-attack that featured fine play from Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo in the 71st minute, as United won 1-0 at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Sesko has scored six goals in his last seven matches for United in all competitions, having managed just two goals in his first 17 for the club after arriving from RB Leipzig.

No player has scored more Premier League goals as a substitute this season than Sesko's three, putting him level with Emiliano Buendía, Junior Kroupi and Samuel Chukwueze.

"He's in a good place at the moment," Carrick told Sky Sports when asked about Sesko's display. "We've had some really good talks about it. 

"Patience is important for him, waiting and developing as a player here. He understands that. He's going to be a big player for us for a long period of time, I'm sure of that. 

"We've got to manage that. We've got some top forward players. He's made a big difference for us when he's been on the pitch."

Having replaced the ineffective Amad Diallo in the 58th minute, Sesko had three touches in Everton's penalty area, with Mbeumo and Diogo Dalot (four each) the only Red Devils starters to tally more.

The 22-year-old told Sky Sports: "For me, it's important whenever I come on to try and help the team. That is why I'm here. 

"Whether that is for five minutes or 90 minutes, it doesn't really matter. It's about showing I can deliver if I possibly can and I'm really happy with that.

"I believe in myself and so do the other players as well. They know what they are going to get when I arrive in the game. It's then up to me to deliver, of course."

United's victory took them back into the Premier League's top four, and they are still unbeaten in nine matches under Carrick across his two stints in charge (seven wins, two draws).

Only Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2018-19 (11) and Herbert Bamlett in 1927 (10) have managed more games for the club before experiencing their first defeat, and Carrick was proud of the way his players battled against stubborn opponents.  

"We had the first four games and the first four wins in a row, and there were some really good performances in there," the former midfielder said to BBC Sport.

"I expected a period where we would have to find ourselves a little bit and work for a result. We did it to a point at West Ham and we did it again today. 

"That spirit, sacrifice and willingness to work for each other... with the way we had to defend our box together at the end of the game, it's a massive win for us."