THE KING’S VERDICT: Henry Claims Man Utd Star is “Best in the League” After Everton Heroics
LIVERPOOL — In a season defined by the tactical resurgence of Manchester United under Michael Carrick, it was a post-match analysis from a certain Arsenal icon that set the footballing world ablaze last night. Speaking on Monday Night Football following United’s gritty 1-0 victory over Everton at Goodison Park, Thierry Henry cast aside his North London loyalties to heap staggering praise on the man who changed the game.
The match, a cagey affair that looked destined for a stalemate, was decided in the 81st minute when Benjamin Sesko—United’s £74m summer signing who has endured a rollercoaster debut season—slotted home a clinical finish after a trademark counter-attack.
“I’m an Arsenal Legend, but…”
Henry, known for his discerning eye for elite strikers, didn’t hold back when asked about the Slovenian international’s performance.
> “Look, I’m an Arsenal legend, everyone knows that,” Henry told Sky Sports with a wry smile. “But that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t appreciate good players. I have to be honest: Benjamin Sesko excited me yesterday. The way he occupies space, the way he waits for the right moment to kill… it’s vintage.”
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The French legend went a step further, making a claim that will surely spark debate in pubs from Islington to Salford:
> “People talk about Haaland and the numbers, but when you look at the complete package—the hold-up play, the link-up with Bruno [Fernandes], and that cold-blooded nature in front of goal—I think he is currently the best player in the League. He makes the difficult look effortless.”
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The Evolution of Benjamin Sesko
Only three months ago, Sesko was being “roasted” by pundits for a dry spell that saw him net just twice in 600 minutes. However, since the turn of the year, the 22-year-old has undergone a transformation that mirrors Henry’s own early struggles at Highbury.
* Super-Sub Status: Sesko has now scored three goals off the bench in his last four games (vs. Fulham, West Ham, and Everton).
* Carrick’s Influence: Under Michael Carrick, United have moved back into 4th place, largely due to Sesko’s clinical edge in tight matches.
* The Stats: He is currently the most efficient substitute in the Premier League, averaging a goal every 48 minutes when coming off the bench.
Why Henry is Convinced
For Henry, the “excitement” stems from Sesko’s intelligence off the ball. During the Everton clash, the striker’s movement pulled Jarrad Branthwaite out of position repeatedly, creating gaps for the likes of Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo to exploit.
“It’s the brain,” Henry explained, gesturing to the touchscreen. “Most strikers just run. He thinks. He knew Everton were tired. He waited for that one transition, and the finish? That’s not luck. That’s top-tier quality.”
The Premier League Landscape (Feb 2026)
As the race for the Champions League spots heats up, United find themselves in a commanding position.
| Team | Played | Points | Form |
|—|—|—|—|
| Arsenal | 26 | 58 | W-W-D-W |
| Man City | 26 | 57 | L-W-W-W |
| Aston Villa | 27 | 52 | W-L-W-D |
| Man United | 26 | 49 | W-W-W-W |
With Henry’s “best in the league” tag now firmly attached to him, all eyes will be on Old Trafford this weekend to see if Sesko can finally break into Carrick’s starting XI for the Manchester Derby.
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