Benjamin Sesko targets Man Utd return against Sabah FK before derby

Benjamin Sesko remains without a Manchester United start after a shin problem wiped out his pre-season, but Thursday’s Champions League meeting with Sabah FK offers him a timely route back into contention before the Manchester derby.

Key takeaways

• Michael Carrick has started Matheus Cunha through the middle in league games against Hull City, Ipswich Town and Everton.
• Sesko headed in Luke Shaw’s delivery against Everton, although Ainsley Maitland-Niles struck late to secure a draw at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
• United have taken four points from their first three league matches.
• Manchester City, led by Enzo Maresca, travel to Old Trafford on Sunday with three domestic wins from three.
• Sesko averaged a goal every 85 minutes under Carrick last season.

Scholes calls for a recognised striker

Paul Scholes believes United’s failure to use Sesko from the outset has left the side short of a focal point. Assessing the Everton display on The Good, The Bad, and The Football, the former United midfielder said Carrick’s team were too cautious despite the space available against their opponents.

Scholes said United lacked aggression and did not press home their advantage when Everton were vulnerable. He identified centre-forward selection as the central issue, arguing that Sesko gives the attack a target while Cunha is better suited to a No.10 role or a wide position than as a conventional No.9.

Cunha, signed from Wolves last year, has commonly played from the left during his career. Bryan Mbeumo and Marcus Rashford have made encouraging starts on the flanks, but United’s play through the centre has not carried the same threat.

Sesko showed what he can provide against Everton, climbing to score a high-quality header from Shaw’s cross. United were denied the win when Maitland-Niles found a late leveller.

Sabah test comes before City visit

United host Azerbaijani side Sabah FK in Europe on Thursday before turning their attention to Sunday’s derby at Old Trafford. The midweek Champions League tie could allow Sesko to add minutes after his injury disruption and make a stronger case to return to the Premier League XI.

With City arriving after a perfect opening domestic run, Carrick faces a major selection call. Bringing Sesko back as the central striker could be pivotal if United are to stop their neighbours’ early momentum.