Michael Carrick made an error in his team selection to take on Leeds United at Old Trafford, according to legendary club goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar believes Michael Carrick made an error by starting Benjamin Sesko in defeat Leeds. United’s head coach opted to start the striker, while leaving Bryan Mbeumo on the bench.

Daniel Farke’s team took the lead early in the game as Noah Okafor scored a first-half brace. United hit back through Casemiro at Old Trafford but were unable to claim a point as Lisandro Martinez was sent off.

Sesko has shown impressive form since Carrick’s arrival but four of his five goals have come off the bench. Mbeumo has often been utilised through the middle to lead Carrick’s forward line.

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Van der Sar also believes that Mainoo was a miss for Carrick. The England international had started every Premier League match under Carrick until he was ruled out for the clash with Leeds.

“What Carrick has done bringing Mainoo back in, it is important for United to have youth coming through,” Van der Sar told Premier League Productions.

“He represents certain values and it has made him feel appreciated again has made a difference. Casemiro and Ugarte are similar type of players so I think they missed him.

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“With Benjamin Sesko up front, I am not sure if that was the right option to go to.”

There remains uncertainty over whether the 22-year-old is a long-term answer up front for United. Nicky Butt believes that Sesko can be a success at Old Trafford but would benefit from another No.9 being added to the squad.

“I don’t think he can carry the club up front on his own, they’ll need another No.9,” Butt said. “He’s shown he’s got massive potential, great movement, he works his socks off. He can score a goal and you can see he’s good in the air but he’s not the complete centre-forward for United at that level. He can potentially get there.

‘When you go into the Champions League, it’s just a different kettle of fish. The tempo is totally different, the pressure on it is totally different. You’ve then got to come back and perform in the league, maybe two days later.

“They’re going to have to go out and buy a top, top player. I do believe in recruitment there’s no point in going and buying a player who doesn’t improve the squad. You’ve got to go and buy the best player.

“I think Sesko will be a good player for United, I don’t think he needs replacing, but someone who is better than him that can lift his game as well.”

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar was diagnosed with a brain haemorrhage in 2023 and has now opened up on the symptoms he suffered

Manchester United legend Edwin van der Sar has opened up on the symptoms of his brain haemorrhage and how it has impacted his life. The former goalkeeper experienced the health scare in 2023 – the same year he left his role as director at Ajax.

The 55-year-old initially joined United from Fulham in 2005 and went on to feature in over 250 matches for the Reds, securing four Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy.

Following his retirement from the professional game in 2011, shortly before his 41st birthday, he subsequently took up a director role at his former club Ajax.

Van der Sar experienced a brain haemorrhage whilst on holiday in July 2023, merely a couple of months following his resignation from Ajax.

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The former shot-stopper received treatment in intensive care and remained hospitalised for a fortnight before recovering, reports the Mirror.

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Van der Sar has now shared insights into the day he initially experienced symptoms and explained how stepping back from football has benefited his health.

Speaking on The Overlap alongside Gary Neville, Van der Sar said: “I’m OK now. I had it three years ago. I had a great holiday – a sailing trip in Croatia. On the last day, in the hotel, I got up to go to the toilet and felt dizzy, and I felt my neck.

“I went back into the room and said, ‘Close the curtains’, and I sat on the bed not feeling well. My wife called the doctor, and I was told I had a brain haemorrhage.

“One of the things that helped was that I had just quit my job at Ajax as a director. Five weeks before that I had resigned. It was a big step for me, but I felt I had brought Ajax to a point where maybe I couldn’t bring any more to the club than I already did.

“I was surprised because I had a great holiday, we were all relaxed, and then something like that happens to you. We went to the hospital, I was in intensive care, and I was there for three weeks.

“Then you have the recovery process and rehabilitation, and you know as a player you also want the best people around you and a programme fitted for you. I had no pressure about going back into a job – no phone calls, no emails, no decision-making – so that helped a lot to recover to the level that I am now.”

Despite experiencing a serious health scare, Van der Sar has revealed that neither he nor his wife, Annemarie, have altered their outlook on life, with the United legend savouring his break from football.

Van der Sar explained: “No, I’m not that type of guy. What was nice for me was that I wanted to have a rest, take a year out of football, go to some other clubs and learn some new things.

“Now it’s almost three years ago, so I’ve had time to recover with no stress, no phone in my hand – just doing the stuff that I’ve wanted to do.

“Wake up when you want, walk the dog, go swim in the sea, go on holiday. I went to New Zealand for two months with Annemarie – nice things that I never had the chance to do before.

“I started playing at 18 or 19, finished at 40, and at 41 I became one of the directors at Ajax until 53, so I thought it was the right time to take a step back. That’s taken a little bit longer than I originally thought, to be fair, but we are enjoying ourselves very much.”

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