Arabic version: شيشكو يعزز الخيارات الهجومية لمانشستر يونايتد

According to BBC News, Benjamin Sesko’s return to the Manchester United starting line-up has given head coach Michael Carrick a more physical and direct attacking option after the Slovenian scored in the Champions League win over Sabah FK.

United beat the Azerbaijani champions 4-0 at Old Trafford, with Matheus Cunha and captain Bruno Fernandes also on target. Sesko, 23, ran beyond the Sabah defence after a pass from Bryan Mbeumo, took the ball around goalkeeper Stas Pokatilov and finished into an empty net. It followed his close-range header against Everton, taking him to 12 goals in his past 21 Manchester United games.

Sesko had not started since the Liverpool match last March because of a shin issue. He was only able to make second-half substitute appearances in the Premier League games against Hull, Ipswich and Everton. At 6ft 5in, he offers a presence that United’s other forwards do not, pushing defenders back and providing pace in behind.

Carrick said: “He definitely offers a different kind of threat. That’s the beauty of it, really. We know what Ben gives us. 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.”

The manager must now decide whether Sesko starts in Sunday’s Premier League derby against Manchester City at Old Trafford. Amad Diallo remains absent, while Cunha and Marcus Rashford are competing for a role on the left. Rashford has not scored or created a goal since returning from his loan spell at Barcelona, although he has been United’s most consistent threat through pace and direct running.