Benjamin Sesko embraces pressure as Man Utd striker shines from the bench

Benjamin Sesko embraces pressure as Man Utd striker shines from the bench

Benjamin Sesko is learning to thrive under the spotlight at Manchester United, insisting that the pressure of playing at Old Trafford is a "privilege" rather than a burden.

The 22-year-old striker has faced scrutiny since his 73 million pounds move from RB Leipzig, struggling initially with just two goals in his first five months. But he has since rediscovered his form, netting six goals in his last seven appearances, including crucial late strikes at West Ham and Everton.

"For me, the way I look at the pressure, it's something that, if I want to be a good player, I have to have," Sesko said. "I take it as a privilege. It's something that has to be there if you want to play at the highest level. It's about accepting it and not really caring about it."

Much of Sesko's recent impact has come from the bench. Against Everton on Monday, he entered in the 58th minute and scored the winning goal 13 minutes later. He also scored a 96th-minute equaliser at West Ham and a 94th-minute winner against Fulham. Despite his match-winning contributions, Sesko is prepared to be patient about earning a regular starting spot under interim manager Michael Carrick.

"I'm not even thinking, 'I have to start, I have to start,'" Sesko said. "If I get five minutes, I'm going to use them, and for me it's about trying to enjoy and delivering for the team. It's more about showing up when it's important, no matter how many minutes I get."

Carrick has expressed confidence in Sesko, and the striker says the coaching staff's belief in him has been key to his resurgence. "Everyone believes in me," he added. "They are getting me ready to start as soon as possible. The focus is on delivering and helping the team secure wins."

Sesko's goals have been instrumental in United's revival under Carrick. The team has claimed five wins and a draw from six matches since the former midfielder took charge, lifting them into fourth place in the Premier League, ahead of rivals Chelsea and Liverpool in the race for Champions League qualification.

"The mood is really good," Sesko said. "Everyone is working for each other. The coaching staff, not just Carrick but the others beside him, are unbelievable. They work on individuals, and you can see that on the pitch. To win so many games and secure points, it's all made out of details, and that's how we get all these points."

With his confidence restored and a newfound acceptance of scrutiny, Sesko is embracing the challenge of performing at one of the world's most demanding clubs, ready to make every minute on the pitch count.

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