Is it more beneficial for Šeško to be a substitute at Manchester United? Winning the best award but not anxious, Carrick learns from one person's lesson.

Benjamin Šeško was elected Manchester United's Player of the Month for February, a well-deserved honor. He scored 3 goals that month, helping the team earn 5 extra points.

Whether at the Hill Dickinson Stadium against Everton on Monday night or at Old Trafford on Friday, British media queued to interview United manager Carrick, mainly focusing on one question: When will Šeško start?

The Manchester United manager smiled and gave similar answers each time. Carrick mainly discussed the adaptation and patience required for a new signing in their first season at the club. Crucially, he made it clear that Šeško understands the situation. Šeško himself indeed said: "I am not thinking that I must start, that I absolutely have to start."

Carrick and his coaching staff have held detailed discussions with the 22-year-old Šeško about his development plan since taking over. Šeško understands he needs to adapt to his new life playing for Manchester United, both on and off the pitch. He is well aware that this involves not just tactical aspects, but also mental and psychological challenges.

After completing his €85 million transfer, Šeško's social media followers surged by 1 million in just days! As a Manchester United striker, he is in one of the most scrutinized positions. To ensure he can maintain mental calmness, Šeško has practiced "box breathing," also known as the 16-second breathing method, which involves four 4-second deep breaths to help restore physical and mental tranquility. Šeško does this before matches. He also meditates daily and does yoga three times a week.

Sources reveal that even without starting under Carrick, Šeško has not been unhappy sitting on the bench. When Carrick's coaching staff asked substitute forwards to warm up during a match, Zirkzee slowly zipped up his training jacket and walked to the touchline; whereas Šeško immediately sprang up and sprinted along the sideline. The Athletic described that he wasn't running at the 35 km/h speed of his later goal-scoring sprint, but clearly showed a strong desire to get involved in the game.

In a fan poll by The Athletic, a high 81% of participants supported Šeško starting for Manchester United against Crystal Palace. However, Carrick's approach might also have its merits, and he could even believe his management is the best choice.

In fact, after scoring the equalizer against West Ham United, Šeško was already considered deserving of a start. Carrick did not comply, not changing his lineup which had achieved 5 wins and 1 draw. Because if Šeško started but didn't score, he might face unnecessary pressure.

But keeping Šeško as a substitute also carries risks. If he comes on as a substitute for several consecutive games without scoring, or even wastes a clear chance like in stoppage time against Everton, his confidence could take a hit, losing his positive momentum. Fortunately, Manchester United, Carrick, and Šeško had good fortune, as he once again became the "super sub."

Perhaps this is currently the best way to utilize Šeško. Last season, Rasmus Højlund played 38 games for club and country Denmark by this point and was in a goal drought lasting 21 games. Before he was ready, Højlund was burdened with excessive expectations and pressure, even being called the "new Haaland" for a time.

Former Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim explicitly stated that pressure should not be placed on the young Šeško, but should be borne by more experienced players like Mbeumo and Cunha, even though Šeško's transfer fee was higher than both. "Bryan (Mbeumo) and Matheus (Cunha) have more responsibility than Benjamin (Šeško). I want to give Benjamin more time to settle into the team. He is younger, it's a new club, a new country," said Amorim.

But Amorim's usage of Šeško did not yield results, with the Slovenian forward scoring only 2 goals. Carrick has been more fortunate, with Šeško scoring 3 goals in 6 substitute appearances under him. This might be thanks to interim manager Darren Fletcher, who managed between them. Although Fletcher's team did not win in two games, he boosted Šeško's confidence. Šeško started both games under Fletcher and scored 3 goals, laying the foundation for becoming an impact substitute under Carrick.