Everton 0-1 Manchester United: Sesko Strikes Again to Lift Carrick’s Side Into Top Four

Liverpool, UK — Michael Carrick’s Manchester United tightened their grip on a Champions-League place as Benjamin Sesko’s 72nd-minute intervention sank Everton 1-0 at Hill Dickinson Stadium and stretched the Reds’ unbeaten run under their interim boss to five wins in six league outings.

A cagey contest on Merseyside looked to be drifting towards a forgettable stalemate until Sesko, introduced from the bench in the 65th minute, ignited a lightning break. The Slovenia international dropped deep to combine with Matheus Cunha, spun away and charged the length of the pitch to meet Bryan Mbeumo’s perfectly weighted return pass before steering an ice-cool finish beyond Jordan Pickford.

The goal, Sesko’s eighth of the campaign and his third as a substitute since Carrick took the reins, propels United three points clear of both Chelsea and Liverpool in the race for fourth with 11 fixtures remaining.

Everton, still searching for cohesion in their first season at their new home, had rallied after the interval and almost levelled in spectacular fashion when Michael Keane cracked a 25-yard drive that demanded an acrobatic fingertip save from Senne Lammens. The Belgian goalkeeper, preferred again for his command of the penalty area, preserved his third clean sheet in four league starts to underline why Carrick has placed such trust in him.

David Moyes’ side, who briefly threatened through Harrison Armstrong early in the second half, remain outside the European conversation and have now won only once in their last five. The Toffees’ lack of cutting edge contrasted sharply with United’s decisive edge from the bench; Sesko’s decisive intervention follows similar match-winning cameos against Fulham and West Ham.

United’s upward trajectory is all the more notable given the solitary focus on league football. While Liverpool and Chelsea juggle FA Cup commitments next month, Carrick’s squad can channel full energy into the top-four push, starting with a pivotal visit from Aston Villa on 15 March.

Carrick praised his side’s resilience afterwards: “Credit to Everton, they made us dig really deep. It wasn’t the prettiest, but the spirit and belief are growing.” Moyes, meanwhile, conceded the difference came down to expensive quality in reserve: “It’s the quality they have off the bench that costs big money.”

With Sesko forcing his way into starting contention and Bruno Fernandes revelling in a free No. 10 role, the Red Devils’ destiny increasingly feels in their own hands.

SEO keywords: