Benjamin Shashko is poised to make his first start for Manchester United this season in the Champions League against Sabah. Manager Michael Carrick has suggested that the Slovenian striker is edging closer to full match sharpness.
Ahead of the European campaign, Carrick highlighted the club's cautious approach in building Shashko back up to maximum intensity following a lengthy absence.
“He’s getting close. He’s missed a lot of football, so we’ve had to manage him carefully and gradually work on his fitness. He scored a fantastic goal for us last season and is currently in good shape. We just need to figure out when he can take the next step,” Carrick said.
To date, Shashko has yet to start a match for United this season, but he has already made an impact after coming off the bench in a Premier League game against Everton.
The match ended in a 2-2 draw, with Shashko scoring a headed goal in the 88th minute to put Manchester United ahead, only for Ainsley Maitland-Niles to draw level in stoppage time.
Now, Carrick has the opportunity to hand Shashko his first start. Manchester United’s Champions League campaign kicks off with their match against Sabah, and the manager’s comments suggest that the striker is on the brink of joining the starting XI.
