Michael Carrick has suggested Benjamin Sesko is still not at full fitness ahead of Manchester United’s clash with Everton this weekend.

Sesko enjoyed an impressive run of form after Carrick took the reins at Old Trafford in January, thriving in a super-sub role and averaging a goal every 86 minutes under the manager.

One of the 11 goals he scored last season was at the Hill-Dickson Stadium, finishing a wonderful counter attack that sealed a 1-0 victory for United over the Toffees.

Sesko has started both United’s games this season on the bench having missed the entire pre-season as a result of a shin injury he picked up back in May.

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Offering an update on his striker ahead of the trip to Merseyside, Carrick told a press conference on Friday: ‘He’s improving his fitness all the time. He had some time off, which was important that we give him the time to make sure it was right moving forward and no setbacks.

‘You can never guarantee that, but, it give us and Ben himself the chance to stay fit for as long as possible.

‘He’s made big strides last season and he’s still young, he’s still kind of adapting to a point and learning and developing here.

‘So there’s loads more to come from Ben. So just being patient with him really and looking after him as well. And letting him grow into the season. Really happy with how he’s come back, so looking forward to seeing him on the pitch a little bit more.’

Joshua Zirkzee meanwhile could have been lining up for Sunday’s opposition had a proposed deadline day move to Everton gone through. United rejected a late offer for the Dutchman with Carrick insisting he can do plenty more in United red.

‘Josh is important,’ Carrick said. ‘I think, again, it’s the team, the squad, the depth, the whole season. Josh is happy here and I have a really good relationship with Josh anyway. He wants to play more than he has done, and that’s good, the competition and healthy competition for places.

‘There are a lot of games coming up even in the next couple of weeks, we’ve got a shorter period between games.

‘For sure, Josh can do some really, really top things, and I’ve seen it myself and I know he can do that and looking forward to him doing that a little bit more often for us.’


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