Man Utd lineup: Sesko rewarded with starting spot in attack against Palace

Benjamin Sesko is in the starting lineup for Manchester United's clash with Crystal Palace.

The Slovenian has been rewarded for his recent goals coming off the bench with a place in Michael Carrick's team as they push for a place in the Champions League.

His three goals as substitute have earned United seven points from a possible nine, with his stoppage-time equaliser at West Ham a fortnight ago maintaining Carrick’s unbeaten start to his reign after taking over from the sacked Ruben Amorim.

Sesko had yet to start in Carrick’s six matches but his contribution has arguably been more significant than any other player in that period as United have moved into fourth place, just three points behind Aston Villa, with Champions League qualification looking all the more likely.

After the last game at Everton, Carrick praised the striker’s attitude and Sesko himself claimed he was just happy to help the side and was not badgering his boss about a place in the team.

“We are talking, of course, but he believes in me, everyone believes in me, they are getting me ready to start as soon as possible,” the 22-year-old said.

“It’s more about me showing up when it’s important, no matter how many minutes I’m getting, and focusing on delivering and trying to help the team secure the wins.

“I’m not even thinking about ‘I have to start, I have to start’. If I get five minutes, I’m going to use them. For me it’s just about trying to enjoy and delivering for the team.

“The pressure is something that, if I want to be a good player, it’s something that I have to have.

“It’s something that has (to be there) if you want to play at the highest level and it’s about accepting it and not really caring about it.”

After just two goals in his first 17 matches following his £66million summer move from RB Leipzig, Sesko has finally found form with six goals in his last seven games.