'Trying the same Sesko-less formula makes little sense'

It would be easy to assess Benjamin Sesko's recent contributions and label him as Manchester United's latest super sub.

The likes of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Javier Hernandez would be proud of Sesko's exploits off the bench under Michael Carrick.

But the 22-year-old is so much more. This is a natural, cold-blooded goalscorer who is already finding his feet in the Premier League.

Criticism of Sesko's start to life at United - during which he netted just twice in 17 games under Ruben Amorim - always seemed harsh.

Many a sceptic leapt onto the bandwagon and accused the Red Devils of committing another hefty transfer fee on a young, overseas forward destined to flop.

Yet, the signs have always been there. Sesko is not Rasmus Hojlund. He is not Antony. The Slovenian most definitely is not Jadon Sancho, when you consider his end product on the pitch and professionalism off it.

What is Sesko? A 6ft 5in striker boasting not only an abundance of traits shared with many a successful Premier League goalscorer, but also 90 senior career goals already to his name (an average of 15 per season).

Since scoring twice in his first 17 outings, the Slovenian has found the net six times in seven appearances.

Sesko started just two of those. In fact, across the seven matches, the United number 30 is averaging a goal every 45 minutes.

He has scored more Premier League open-play goals than anyone else in 2026. He has arrived.

Can Sesko only make an impact off the bench against tiring defenders? His brilliant brace as a starter against Burnley suggests not.

It is time for Carrick to find out. Sesko must return to the starting line-up in Sunday's clash against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.

United will have another low-block assignment in Oliver Glasner's struggling Eagles.

Trying the same formula that didn't work against West Ham United and Everton, before introducing Sesko, would make little sense.

If United want to ride the momentum of recent results towards an unlikely Champions League return, they have to let Sesko ride his own wave.

Find more from Alex Turk at Turk Talks FC