Manchester United has surged to third place in the Premier League following a thrilling 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace, thanks in large part to the remarkable form of striker Benjamin Sesko. The 22-year-old, who joined the club for £73.7 million from RB Leipzig, has turned his fortunes around significantly since the departure of head coach Ruben Amorim. Under Amorim, Sesko struggled, netting only two goals in 17 appearances. Since January, he has scored seven times in just eight matches.
In his first start under new head coach Michael Carrick on Sunday, Sesko continued his impressive scoring streak, netting a crucial goal to help United come from behind in the match. United now trails only Arsenal and Manchester City in the league standings, with ten matches remaining in the season.
Carrick expressed his excitement about Sesko’s development, noting, “We’re working closely with him and building that relationship and trust. A lot is on Ben. He has put the work in. He is a good player and he has got some great strengths and scoring different types of goals.”
Sesko’s recent performances have highlighted his ability to score vital goals. In his last three outings, he netted a stoppage-time equalizer against West Ham United, a decisive goal against Everton, and another winner against Palace. These contributions have earned United a total of eight points, which has been instrumental in their rise up the league table.
According to Carrick, Sesko’s transformation has been about more than just scoring. “He has had a huge impact and he’s making big improvements. Part of it is getting used to being here. He is desperate to do well,” he remarked.
The change in Sesko’s fortunes began under the interim management of Darren Fletcher, who succeeded Amorim. After Sesko scored twice in a 2-2 draw against Burnley, Fletcher focused on building confidence in the young striker, showing him videos to enhance his understanding of movement and positioning. This boost has carried into Carrick’s tenure, allowing Sesko to thrive.
Notably, Carrick has adapted his tactics to leverage Sesko’s strengths. While Amorim’s strategy often left the striker isolated, Carrick has encouraged crossing from wide areas, resulting in several of Sesko’s goals. His recent header against Crystal Palace exemplified this change, as he capitalized on a cross from Bruno Fernandes to score the winner.
The backdrop to Sesko’s success includes speculation about Amorim’s intentions during his time at United. Reports indicated that Amorim preferred to sign Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins instead of relying on Sesko. Now, the young forward is proving his critics wrong and establishing himself as a central figure in United’s revival.
With Sesko leading the charge, Manchester United is poised for a potential UEFA Champions League return. The team has not lost a match since Boxing Day, and Sesko leads the Premier League in non-penalty goals for 2026. Carrick’s management has reinvigorated the squad, and with every goal from Sesko, the narrative surrounding Amorim’s time at the club grows less favorable.
As United looks to solidify its place in the top three, Sesko’s contributions are becoming increasingly vital. His performance against Palace, capped by a standing ovation, signals not just his personal success but also a renewed sense of optimism for Manchester United’s ambitions this season.
