Sesko and Lammens: United’s Emerging Stars Under Carrick
It felt like, after a promising few weeks, Manchester United’s 1-0 win over Everton truly was the breakout moment for Benjamin Sesko. The manner in which the Slovenian burst from one end of the pitch to the other was breathtaking, showcasing the presence of mind to still sweep the ball home in composed fashion.
Sesko’s Rising Form
Now on eight goals for the season, and six in his last seven appearances, the 22-year-old is enjoying a run of form reminiscent of Rasmus Hojlund’s purple patch in the winter of 2023/24. However, United supporters will be hoping Sesko’s form proves more enduring, as Hojlund’s hot streak ultimately proved to be short-lived.
Sesko is too striving to earn the tag of being United’s ‘modern day Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’. He hasn’t started a game under Michael Carrick, but has consistently made an impact as a substitute, demonstrating a willingness to seize opportunities when presented.
Since the win over Manchester City, Sesko has made five substitute appearances, contributing to key moments in several matches. He laid the ball off for Kobbie Mainoo in the build-up to Matheus Cunha’s goal against Arsenal, scored a last-gasp winner against Fulham, and played a role in Bruno Fernandes’ clincher against Tottenham Hotspur. He also delicately dinked the ball home to rescue a point against West Ham United. Following his latest effort at Everton, the 6 foot 4 marksman now has three goals in five substitute appearances under Carrick, having made 11 appearances off the bench in total this season, across league and cup.
Sesko vs. Hojlund: A Statistical Comparison
| Stat (*per game) | Sesko (25/26) | Hojlund (23/24) |
|---|---|---|
| Games | 22 | 30 |
| Starts | 11 | 25 |
| Goals | 7 | 10 |
| Mins per goal | 162 | 217 |
| Goal conversion | 16% | 26% |
| Big chances missed | 10 | 13 |
| Assists | 1 | 2 |
| Big chances created | 0 | 0 |
| Key passes* | 0.4 | 0.9 |
| Aerial duels won* | 50% | 27% |
As a starter, Sesko’s 13 games have yielded five goals, three of which came during Darren Fletcher’s caretaker stint. He is providing Carrick with a welcome selection dilemma, and continues to deliver impactful performances off the bench, possessing a Solskjaer-esque quality for immediately influencing proceedings.
Lammens: An Inspired Piece of Business
Like Solskjaer, Sesko isn’t the only emerging star at Old Trafford. Senne Lammens, the 23-year-old goalkeeper, has also proven to be an inspired signing. Initially brought in as an alternative to Emi Martinez, Lammens has quickly established himself as United’s number one, with the Red Devils losing just two league games all season with him in goal.
Already looking like the club’s best signing since Bruno Fernandes, Lammens was “immense” in the recent win over Everton according to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, successfully overcoming a penalty box onslaught on Merseyside.
Unassuming and calm, Lammens is providing stability to the United defense, and at just 23, has the potential to enjoy a long and successful career at Old Trafford. There is pleasure in seeing high-profile signings like Sesko find their groove, but there is also something special about a Lammens emerging as a surprise cult hero.