Carrick's Seal of Approval Keeps Sesko at United Amid Barcelona and Atletico Approaches

Benjamin Sesko's stock has risen sharply at Old Trafford, but it appears the Slovenian forward will not be heading for the exit this summer despite the considerable interest circling him from Spain's elite.

The 23-year-old arrived from RB Leipzig last summer in a £73.7million move, though his first campaign proved a tale of two halves. Initially struggling to establish himself under Ruben Amorim's reign, Sesko's fortunes transformed dramatically when Michael Carrick took the managerial reins. The interim boss-turned-permanent fixture showed immediate faith in the striker, handing him the platform to flourish.

That faith paid dividends. Over the second half of the campaign, Sesko was the Premier League's most prolific goalscorer, a remarkable achievement considering he started just 17 league fixtures. His contribution proved vital as United secured Champions League football, ending the season on a strong trajectory.

Word of Sesko's resurgence has travelled across the continent. Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have both made enquiries regarding a potential summer move, according to transfer sources. The Catalans view him as a contingency option should their pursuit of Julian Alvarez falter—the River Plate product remains their primary target despite Atletico's insistence that he will not be leaving Madrid. The mattress-makers, meanwhile, see Sesko as insurance against losing Alvarez themselves, with the Argentine's heart seemingly set on a Camp Nou switch.

Real Madrid's £129million rejection by Atletico underscores just how valuable Alvarez remains in the equation.

Yet Manchester United have swiftly put paid to any speculation. The club have made clear their unwillingness to entertain offers, and Carrick's role in that decision cannot be overstated. The manager's admiration for Sesko is genuine and profound—he views the forward as a cornerstone of his long-term project at Old Trafford. The feeling, it appears, is thoroughly reciprocated. Those close to Sesko indicate he has flourished under Carrick's management, relishing the freedom and confidence the boss has afforded him.

That mutual appreciation has only steeled United's resolve to keep their man. With Carrick's backing, Sesko looks set to remain a central figure in United's plans heading into the new campaign.