Benjamin Sesko: Manchester United's Potential Golden Boot Winner

Vladimir Smicer has thrown down a challenge to both Benjamin Sesko and Michael Carrick – play him, trust him, and Manchester United could have a Golden Boot winner on their hands.

The former Liverpool midfielder believes Sesko has the tools to become the main man at Old Trafford, but cannot understand why United’s only recognised senior No 9 is still waiting for his first Premier League start of the season.

United’s No 9 left waiting

Carrick has consistently opted for Matheus Cunha through the middle, with Joshua Zirkzee another option who can operate as a central forward. Neither, though, is a natural penalty-box striker in the traditional sense.

Sesko is. And right now, he is watching league games from the bench.

The 23-year-old Slovenia international, signed from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2025 for £73.7 million, has been used from the start in the Champions League and Carabao Cup. He has two goals in six appearances in all competitions, including a sharp headed finish against Everton after coming on as a substitute.

Yet when the Manchester derby came around, he was back among the replacements.

“He can win the Golden Boot”

Speaking to Grosvenor Sport, Smicer made his stance clear: Sesko should not just be involved – he should be leading the line.

“Benjamin Sesko can win the Golden Boot at Manchester United if they trust him to start games because of his size and he’s also very fast, and he scored a nice goal with that header against Everton after coming on as a sub but he was on the bench again the Manchester derby,” Smicer said.

For Smicer, the equation is simple: give Sesko a run, and let him grow into the role.

But the onus is not only on Carrick. The Czech believes Sesko must force the issue with his attitude and performances.

“He has to be patient again after last season and wait for his chance, because he will get that chance, and when he does he needs to show that he deserves to keep his place.

“He needs to be more hungry for that opportunity, not just the goals, I think.

“When he’s on the pitch, when he gets his chance from Michael Carrick, he must show him that from now on it’s only me who starts up front for the goals, for the pressing, for everything.

“I probably haven’t seen that from him yet but he needs to play.

“He can’t give his manager a choice.

“Sesko needs to be the player whose performances tell Carrick you do not put on the bench again.

“I’m here.

“I need to play every game.”

The message is blunt. United have spent heavily on a striker built to lead the line, and a former Premier League rival believes the club are wasting a potential Golden Boot contender unless Carrick finally hands him the shirt and dares him to keep it.