United swept aside Sabah 4–0 at Old Trafford, producing the kind of performance that will have supporters dreaming about what this team could become under Carrick. Matheus Cunha opened the scoring, Bruno Fernandes doubled the advantage, Benjamin Šeško struck just before half-time and Lisandro Martínez completed the rout after the break.
But one player in particular has given Carrick another reason to be excited.
Benjamin Šeško is finally beginning to look dangerous. 👀🔥
After spending almost three months sidelined with a shin injury, the Slovenian striker has gradually been brought back into action. Carrick had already indicated that Šeško was in a good place physically, and his latest performances are now starting to justify the manager’s patience.
Šeško scored against Everton before finding the net again against Sabah, making it consecutive matches with a goal.
And this one was especially important.
The 23-year-old was given his first start of the season and made his Champions League opportunity count. Bryan Mbeumo slipped him through, Šeško kept his composure, rounded the goalkeeper and calmly finished into an empty net.
That is exactly the type of striker Carrick wants.
Powerful. Fast. Comfortable running behind defenders. Capable of stretching the pitch and attacking the last line. Carrick has specifically highlighted Šeško’s physical qualities and his ability to threaten defenders with his pace.
And suddenly, United’s attack is looking frightening.
Cunha has already shown his ability to create chaos between the lines. Bruno remains the creative heartbeat. Mbeumo continues to provide energy and penetration. Šeško now appears to be finding his rhythm.
That combination could become a serious problem for Premier League defences. 😳🔥
Carrick was also delighted with the overall performance, particularly United’s attacking football and clean sheet. He admitted Sabah were difficult to play against, but United eventually found the quality to punish them.
The timing could hardly be more dramatic.
United have returned to Europe’s elite competition after a two-year absence, and their first night back ended with four goals, a clean sheet and a huge confidence boost.
Now comes the real test.
Manchester City. 👀🔥
United face their local rivals next, and Carrick will hope the momentum from this Champions League statement can carry straight into the derby.
Šeško is scoring.
Bruno is creating.
Cunha is dangerous.
Mbeumo is flying.
And Carrick suddenly has options everywhere.
After the frustration of conceding a late equaliser against Everton, Manchester United have responded in the loudest possible way.
Four goals. A clean sheet. Champions League football. And a striker who looks ready to explode. 🔴🔥🏆
The Manchester derby could not have arrived at a more interesting time.