Manchester United legend Edwin van der Sar believes Michael Carrick made a mistake starting Benjamin Sesko against Leeds United.
United were outplayed by Leeds within the first-half of Monday night’s Premier League clash and despite pulling one back through Casemiro within the second period, suffered a 2-1 defeat to their old rivals.
Carrick was forced into two changes on the night with Kobbie Mainoo picking up an injury and Harry Maguire serving a suspension with Manuel Ugarte and Lisandro Martinez replacing them. Noussair Mazraoui also began at right-back with Diogo Dalot only deemed fit enough for the bench after recent illness.
Bryan Mbeumo has frequently began through the center since Carrick’s arrival with Sesko thriving in his role as a super-sub with 4 of his five goals under the interim manager coming off the bench.
The Slovenia international began ahead of Mbeumo on Monday night to little effect with Jaka Bijol having a great night up against his countryman.
Van der Sar, who won 4 Premier League titles in six years in Manchester, felt Mainoo’s absence on the night played a task in what was a limp performance from the hosts.
However the Dutch legend also suggested starting Sesko was not the correct call.
‘What Carrick has done bringing Mainoo back in, it is crucial for United to have youth coming through,’ van der Sar told Premier League Productions.
‘He represents certain values and it has made him feel appreciated again has made a difference.
‘Casemiro and Ugarte are similar variety of players so I feel they missed him. With Benjamin Sesko up front, I’m unsure if that was the correct choice to go to.’
Sesko has a return of 10 goals in 29 appearances for United this season as United’s only traditional no9 within the squad.
With United hoping to be back competing with Europe’s elite within the Champions League next season, one other club great in Nicky Butt believes one other striker should be signed to ease the burden.
‘I don’t think he can carry the club up front on his own, they’ll need one other no9,’ Butt said. ‘He’s shown he’s got massive potential, great movement, he works his socks off. He can rating a goal and you possibly can see he’s good within the air but he’s not the whole centre-forward for United at that level. He can potentially get there.
‘Once you go into the Champions League, it’s just a distinct kettle of fish. The tempo is completely different, the pressure on it is completely different. You’ve then got to return back and perform within the league, possibly two days later.
‘They’re going to should exit and buy a top, top player. I do consider in recruitment there’s no point in going and buying a player who doesn’t improve the squad. You’ve got to go and buy the most effective player. I feel Sesko shall be a great player for United, I don’t think he needs replacing, but someone who is best than him that may lift his game as well.’
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