Carrick says 'loads more to come' from Sesko for Man Utd and could start against Everton

Michael Carrick promises there is "loads more to come" from Benjamin Sesko at Manchester United as he returns to full fitness.

Šeško is edging closer to his first United start of the season as Carrick prepares his side for Sunday's trip to Everton.

The Slovenia international has been used from the bench in United's opening two Premier League games after missing all six of the club's pre-season fixtures.

Šeško made his first appearance of the campaign as a substitute against Hull City on the opening weekend before also featuring from the bench in last Sunday's 5-2 victory over Ipswich Town.

Carrick has now suggested the 23-year-old is making significant progress with his fitness and could be ready for a greater role at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

"Ben's improving, he's been improving his fitness all the time," Carrick said.

Šeško was given time to recover after the end of last season, with United keen to avoid rushing him back and risking another setback.

"He had some time off, which was important – that we give him the time, to make sure he was right moving forward, with no setbacks," Carrick explained.

"You can never guarantee that, but it gives Ben the chance to stay fit for as long as possible."

The striker made an encouraging impact during his first season at Old Trafford, including scoring the winning goal against Everton in February, and Carrick believes there is considerably more to come from him.

"He made big strides last season and he's still young and still adapting and learning and developing here," the United head coach said.

"There's loads more to come from Ben, so it's just being patient with him really.

"I'm really happy with how he's come back, so looking forward to seeing him on the pitch a little bit more."

Šeško's increasing availability gives Carrick another option in attack after United scored five times against Ipswich last weekend, with Bruno Fernandes claiming a hat-trick and Bryan Mbeumo also getting on the scoresheet.

Matheus Cunha has started United's first two league games as the central striker, while Šeško has been gradually reintroduced following his disrupted pre-season.

A start at Everton would represent another step in the forward's return to full fitness and give Carrick the opportunity to assess how he fits into an attacking group that also includes Mbeumo, Fernandes and Marcus Rashford.

United will travel to Merseyside looking for consecutive Premier League victories after recovering from their disappointing 2-0 defeat at newly promoted Hull.

Carrick confirmed there were no fresh squad updates ahead of the game, with Mason Mount back in training but yet to feature this season and Amad still sidelined.

Matthijs de Ligt is also working towards a return following back surgery, while Manuel Ugarte remains a long-term absentee after suffering a knee injury while representing Uruguay at the World Cup.