Gary Neville urges Michael Carrick to start Benjamin Sesko and drop Amad Diallo for Crystal Palace clash

Neville says Sesko has earned a starting role after decisive recent goals
United forward has scored three times in his last four appearances
Carrick faces selection dilemma ahead of Sunday’s Premier League match

Gary Neville has called on Michael Carrick to hand Benjamin Sesko his first Premier League start under the Manchester United head coach and leave Amad Diallo out of the side for Sunday’s meeting with Crystal Palace.

Sesko has strengthened his case for inclusion with a series of influential substitute appearances, most recently scoring the 71st–minute winner in Monday’s 1-0 victory away to Everton. The 23 year-old completed a swift counter attack before finishing calmly into the bottom corner after an unselfish square pass from Bryan Mbeumo.

That goal followed a stoppage-time equaliser at West Ham and a decisive strike in a 3-2 win over Fulham, making it three important contributions in his last four outings. Despite that form, Carrick has so far preferred Matheus Cunha, Mbeumo and Diallo as his attacking trio, keeping Sesko on the bench in recent fixtures.

Neville believes the balance now tips firmly in the Slovenian’s favour.

“For Sesko now, I think he starts on Sunday against Crystal Palace,” Neville told Sky Sports. “I haven’t always been convinced about him this season, but what you have to do is move with what you see. He looks like he is growing in his game, in his body, and his confidence is high. I think now Michael Carrick starts him.”

The former United defender suggested that Diallo would be the player to make way, even though he has also impressed this season.

“I think what you’ll see on Sunday is Cunha to the left, Mbeumo to the right, Sesko up top and Bruno in behind,” Neville said. “I think Amad will just slip out for a game. He has been really good, but I think Sesko starts.”

Neville also pointed to Sesko’s animated celebration after scoring at Everton as a sign of his growing belief and determination.

“That celebration was a message,” he said. “Mainly to those United fans in the corner, but also to say, get me in this team now, I start next time.”

Since completing his £74 million move from RB Leipzig last summer, Sesko has scored eight goals in 24 appearances. After a slow start, his recent run of form suggests he is now finding his rhythm, leaving Carrick with a significant decision as United look to maintain momentum in the race for a top-four finish.

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Hailey

Hailey Russell is a football journalist and former Division 1 collegiate athlete in the United States, bringing a unique blend of elite playing experience and professional insight to her work. Currently competing at the professional level in Europe, Hailey combines first-hand knowledge of the modern game with sharp analysis across match reports, player development, and tactical breakdowns.