Michael Carrick: Benjamin Sesko took his goal 'fantastically' well

The 73-million-pound striker delivered again on Monday night at Old Trafford, scoring in United's win over Brentford after spending much of the first half largely uninvolved while his side were forced into extended defensive phases.

His decisive moment came when Bruno Fernandes threaded a pass through, allowing Sesko to control the ball, sit Nathan Collins down, and finish clinically into the net to give United a crucial cushion.

Despite limited chances, the forward's output continues to impress, with 10 Premier League goals coming from an expected goals tally of just under eight, underlining his finishing efficiency.

Carrick praised the strike as the mark of an elite number 9 and suggested that while many modern coaches prefer versatile forwards, Sesko offers a more direct penalty-box threat.

"It's great if he can score on the first [chance]," he said.

"I just think the way the game is at times now, I think if you are an out-and-out number nine, the game kind of went away from it a little bit in many ways.

"It's kind of a bit on touches, but I think, if you're an out-and-out striker, that lives on the last line and plays for those, I think sometimes you're not necessarily always involved in the game, but that's not the role.

"He's certainly got a role to play in link play and out of possession in the role with that but I think if you look at the out-and-out number nines, they're there to pick the moments and be there at the right time and it was a big moment for us.

"I thought he took it fantastically well. He was so calm and composed with it and it just shows the steps that he's made, I think to be in that situation and have that confidence to put the ball away like he did." 

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