Michael Carrick has backed Benjamin Sesko to become a “big player” for Manchester United after the striker’s latest match-winning cameo.
Sesko came off the bench to slot home a clinical counter-attack and seal a 1-0 win over Everton, moving United up to fourth. It was his third goal in four substitute appearances.
Despite his form, Sesko was left out of the starting XI again – but Carrick insists the teenager understands the bigger picture.
“He’s in a good place. We’ve had some really good talks about it. Patience is one thing from him – waiting and developing as a player here,” Carrick said.
“He understands that. He’s going to be a big player for us for a long period of time, I’m sure of that.”
Pundits back United for top-four finish
Gary Neville believes United have a “real chance” to finish third, with Aston Villa, Chelsea and Liverpool all still fighting on multiple fronts.
“I think they could finish third, I really do,” Neville said. “These teams have got European football in front of them, and that’s a big distraction. United don’t have that.”
Jamie Carragher went even further, calling United “virtually a guarantee” for Champions League football.
The Opta supercomputer is more cautious, predicting a fifth-place finish – though that may still be enough for Champions League qualification, with England almost certain to earn an extra spot via UEFA’s coefficient score and performances of English teams in this year's European competitions.
