Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has dismissed calls to hand Benjamin Sesko a starting role, insisting the striker’s impact from the bench is “a real positive” for the club.

Sesko has not started a Premier League match since scoring twice in a 2-2 draw against Burnley last month, when interim boss Darren Fletcher was in charge.

The Slovenia international, signed last year for an initial fee of €76.5 million, has netted three goals in his last four appearances — all as a substitute — fuelling debate about whether he should return to the starting XI.

“I just think the whole thing is a real positive. It’s certainly not a decision that I look to in a negative way,” Carrick said ahead of Sunday’s home clash with Crystal Palace.

“We’re playing well as a team, we’ve been winning games. I’m still not getting carried away and thinking that just carries on. Ben’s been so good in so many ways for us. It’s really not a drama.

“It just shows the quality Ben’s got for what he’s produced over the last few weeks. It’s a good position for us to be in.”

Selection balance

Carrick was also asked why his starting line-ups have shown little variation during United’s recent unbeaten run. The former midfielder admitted there is a delicate balance between maintaining momentum and keeping the wider squad motivated.

United have won five and drawn one of their six Premier League matches since Carrick took charge, climbing into fourth place.

“It’s definitely something we’re aware of. It’s the challenge of managing the group,” he said. “There’s huge positives to it — the results we’ve had in playing well and winning games mostly.

“There’s a balance to it, but there’s definitely a big positive to the fact that we’re in a good run of form. Even though sometimes it’s the same players on the pitch, game to game we’ve changed things.”

Maguire’s importance

Carrick also underlined the value of experience within his squad, expressing hope that there is more to come from defender Harry Maguire amid uncertainty surrounding his contract situation.

The 32-year-old is in the final year of his deal, and Carrick stressed the importance of leadership, particularly with Brazilian midfielder Casemiro set to depart at the end of the season.

“Experience is massive. Harry has gained an awful lot of experience in different ways through this club,” Carrick said. “We’ve seen that with Harry’s performances of late, what he’s brought to the team, and he’s been so important.”