Why Michael Carrick should start Benjamin Sesko against Everton

Photo: Manchester United

Monday night presents a new challenge for Michael Carrick's Manchester United, as they take on Everton in the hope of returning to winning ways, and Benjamin Sesko could be key to that.

If Carrick wants to maximise United's attacking efficiency, then starting Sesko makes clear tactical sense.

Everton are among the Premier League's most aerially dominant sides, both defensively and from set-pieces. Their centre-backs, led by James Tarkowski, are built to neutralise mobile forwards. Additionally, Sesko is also in fine form, with five goals in six games.

Therefore, this is precisely why a striker profile like Sesko's is so important in such a fixture.

Aerial match-ups matter against Everton

Everton defend their box aggressively and allow crosses from wide areas, while also being confident in their ability to clear first balls. Against such a structure, the likes of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo playing up front can be easier to manage for Everton, with neither really consistently threatening centre-backs in the air, nor forcing defensive lines to drop deep.

In contrast, Sesko does both.

Given his stature and physicality, Sesko offers United a legitimate aerial outlet.

With Sesko, goal-kicks and switches in play can be done long without immediately conceding possession, while crosses also become higher-value chances rather than just hopeful deliveries. Sesko's presence also forces Everton's defenders to have constant physical duels, possibly bringing them out of position.

Even when Sesko doesn't win the initial header, his ability to contest first contact increases United's chances of recovering second balls in advanced areas, a key factor against low-block opponents.

Structural benefits in possession

Starting Sesko also improves United's attacking structure. Everton typically defend with a narrow backline and a compact midfield, limiting space between the lines.

A striker who can pin both centre-backs disrupts that compactness.

With Sesko occupying Tarkowski and Michael Keane - or whoever starts -, Everton's defensive line drops deeper, and full-backs become less aggressive stepping out. Additionally, midfielders may hesitate to leave runners unchecked.

As a result, Sesko creates pockets of space for supporting attackers - like Cunha, Mbuemo, Amad or Bruno Fernandes - to target by arriving late.

Game state and margins

This fixture will most likely be decided by small margins, with Everton under David Moyes not really giving away many opportunities. Situations such as set-pieces and second balls will be vital for United to target. Everton are comfortable defending for long periods, but far less comfortable when forced to repeatedly defend aerial situations under pressure.

Sesko increases United's threat in exactly those moments. He turns crosses, restarts, and scrappy phases into genuine opportunities rather than low-percentage situations.

The match against Everton will require United showing their quality on the ball, but also having a physical edge. Carrick's side will need a tactical outlet and a profile of striker that is tailored to the opponent.

Sesko could tilt a tight game in United's favour.