Michael Carrick praised Benjamin Sesko as a “big talent” after the Manchester United forward came off the bench to net a stoppage-time winner in the thrilling 3-2 victory over Fulham on Sunday.
At just 22 years old, Sesko has yet to start a match since Carrick took over as head coach last month and had accumulated only nine minutes of playing time as a substitute in the first two games of Carrick’s tenure.
However, the Slovenia international secured the win for United with his sixth goal in 21 appearances following his summer transfer from RB Leipzig, finding the net in the 94th minute after an assist from Bruno Fernandes.
“It was a huge moment,” Carrick reflected. “Everyone in the dressing room is absolutely thrilled. The way he was welcomed back after the game says it all.”
“He has been bright in training and looks dangerous. Ben is a significant talent with numerous positives.”
“Scoring a winner in front of the Stretford End is a dream come true. He truly deserved that moment.”
United had initially seemed poised for a comfortable 2-0 win before Fulham equalized with two late goals after the 85th minute. However, Carrick remained confident in his team to respond and find a winning goal.
“I stayed calm throughout,” he stated. “I was disappointed with their second goal, but with eight minutes remaining, I was still optimistic that we would create a moment.”
“It’s challenging to keep your emotions in check during moments like that, but I felt we would have another opportunity.”
“The excitement is part of this club, although it’s not always the easiest route. We would prefer to win games more comfortably.”
Fulham manager Marco Silva voiced his displeasure over what he deemed a “horrendous” decision made by referee John Brooks and the VAR team.
Brooks had initially awarded a penalty for a foul by Jorge Cuenca on Matheus Cunha, but replays indicated that Cuenca had cleanly won the ball.
After a lengthy review, the decision was overturned, and a free kick was awarded to United for a separate foul by Cuenca. United capitalized on the set-piece when Casemiro headed in from Fernandes’s delivery.
“The game changed with a terrible decision by John Brooks regarding that penalty,” Silva lamented. “It was a massive mistake from that point onward.”
“It was the first time we witnessed the frustration of all the Premier League fans, coaches, and players. We must channel that frustration to win our next match.”
“The penalty was granted for the tackle, but after that egregious decision, they found an alternative foul to justify the free kick.”
“The reasoning behind awarding that free kick? Unbelievable! It was a truly poor decision.”