Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick has lavished praise on an unsung hero behind the scenes after Benjamin Sesko's dramatic late winner grabbed the headlines against Fulham. The Slovenian striker came off the bench to score a stunning 94th-minute goal, securing a thrilling 3-2 victory at Old Trafford and maintaining Carrick's perfect record since taking temporary charge.
A Moment of Redemption for Sesko
Benjamin Sesko experienced the full rollercoaster of emotions during his substitute appearance. The 22-year-old, who joined United in a £74 million summer transfer from RB Leipzig, initially missed a golden opportunity, heading against the post. However, he demonstrated remarkable resilience to later collect Bruno Fernandes' cross and execute a superb swivel finish into the top corner. This decisive strike not only won the match but also propelled Manchester United into the Premier League's top four.
Carrick's Delight and Recognition
In his post-match comments, Carrick expressed immense pleasure for the young striker. "Huge moment. I'm so, so pleased," Carrick stated. "The reception he got when he came back in the changing room told us everything. He's been confident, fantastic. We've worked with him a lot in different ways over the last couple of weeks."
However, Carrick was keen to shift some of the spotlight away from the goalscorer and onto the coaching staff's diligent work, particularly highlighting the contributions of Travis Binnion.
The Crucial Role of Travis Binnion
While Sesko took the plaudits for his match-winning contribution, Michael Carrick made a pointed effort to acknowledge the instrumental role played by coach Travis Binnion. Binnion, who was promoted from the under-21s setup to the first-team staff following the sacking of Ruben Amorim in early January, has been working intensively with Sesko on a one-to-one basis.
Carrick specifically credited Binnion's dedicated sessions, noting that the extra work on the training ground has been pivotal in building Sesko's confidence and sharpness. "The coaches have done a lot of bits on the side, and Trav particularly has done a lot of work one-on-one with him," Carrick revealed. "Ben's a big talent and he's got so many positive things."
Binnion's Journey at Manchester United
Travis Binnion's rise within the club's coaching structure underscores the value of internal development. He first joined Manchester United in 2019 from Sheffield United's academy to take charge of the under-16s. His progression saw him eventually lead the under-18s before assuming control of the under-21s in the summer of 2023. His recent promotion to the senior setup, initially under caretaker Darren Fletcher and now retained by Carrick, highlights the trust placed in his abilities.
Context of Sesko's Season
The late winner against Fulham represents a significant moment for Benjamin Sesko, whose debut season at Old Trafford has been characterised by inconsistency. With six goals in 21 appearances across all competitions, he has sometimes been overshadowed by fellow summer signings Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha. This decisive contribution, therefore, serves as a potential turning point, offering a tangible reward for the extra training hours and personalised coaching he has received.
The victory itself was hard-fought, with United needing to cancel out a late Fulham burst from Raul Jimenez and Kevin before Sesko's intervention. The result ensures Michael Carrick's interim tenure begins with a perfect record, while also providing a memorable moment for a striker living his dream. "That feeling as a striker you have to score a winner in front of the Stretford End like that, it's kind of what you dream of," Carrick reflected, encapsulating the significance of the moment for both the player and the club.
