Owen Hargreaves explains how Benjamin Sesko rescued Man United

London – Benjamin Sesko’s 94th-minute strike at the London Stadium prevented Manchester United from slumping to a damaging defeat against West Ham United on Tuesday night, and former Old Trafford midfielder Owen Hargreaves believes the Slovenian’s finish was a masterclass in composure.

Sesko, introduced in the 69th minute for Matheus Cunha with United trailing to Tomas Soucek’s 50th-minute goal, met Bryan Mbeumo’s low cross with a deft first-time effort that left defender Axel Disasi flat-footed and goalkeeper Alphonse Areola rooted. The goal preserved United’s four-match winning sequence under caretaker boss Michael Carrick, who had kept an unchanged XI for the third consecutive game, and maintained momentum ahead of Sunday’s visit to Everton.

Speaking on Premier League Productions, Hargreaves praised the 22-year-old’s instinct. “That is a proper finish,” he said. “Usually players snatch at it or volley, but he did a little finesse one. That is the only thing he can do because the defender is right in front of him. If he smashes it, then Disasi blocks it. It just shows you how instinctive footballers are. The timing and the feeling of it was executed beautifully.”

The equaliser continued Sesko’s dramatic upturn in form. Signed from RB Leipzig last summer for a reported £74 million after a 21-goal Bundesliga campaign, the striker managed only two goals in 17 appearances under former head coach Ruben Amorim. Since Carrick’s interim appointment, however, Sesko has struck five times in six matches, including a stoppage-time winner against Arsenal that completed a 3-2 comeback at Old Trafford.

Tuesday’s point keeps United in the thick of the top-four race, and Sesko’s growing influence has fuelled calls for the Slovenian to make his first start under Carrick against Everton at the weekend. With Bruno Fernandes thriving in the No. 10 role, the front line appears increasingly tailored to Sesko’s direct, clinical style.

United supporters will hope the late drama in east London marks another turning point in a season that has already seen one managerial change. If Sesko’s recent cameos are any indication, the 22-year-old may yet prove the catalyst for a late surge towards Champions League qualification.