EVERTON 0-1 MANCHESTER UNITED: Benjamin Sesko came off the bench to find the net once again as Michael Carrick’s unbeaten start saw the Red Devils go back into the top four
21:55, 23 Feb 2026Updated 22:25, 23 Feb 2026
Benjamin Sesko came off the bench to score the winning goal(Image: Carl Recine)
Benjamin Sesko was Manchester United‘s saviour once again as he scored their winner at Everton with a rare moment of quality on Monday night.
The Slovenian appeared off the bench to score for the second game in succession after notching at West Ham, with the 22-year-old finishing first time to round out a stunning counter-attack that sees Michael Carrick‘s side jump back into the top four.
In a first-half that was lacking in quality and chances, Senne Lammens had a heart in mouth moment from kick-off as he attempted to hit a long ball with only the third touch of the game. His clearance was blocked, but the bounce favoured United.
The Red Devils had the opportunity to take an early lead when Amad had two attempts, the second of which requires James Tarkowski to clear the ball off the line after Jordan Pickford had got down low to take the venom out of the effort.
David Moyes claimed his first Old Trafford win in the reverse fixture, despite his team being down a man, but United gained their revenge as their front three of Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo teamed up to go the length of the pitch – ending with Sesko firing past Jordan Pickford.
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Everton pushed for an equaliser and in stoppage time Lammens needed to deny Tyrique George’s long range effort, but that was as close as the hosts came to a leveller, but United would keep a first clean sheet on the road since March. Here’s five talking points from the Hill Dickinson Stadium as the Red Devils revival continues.
Supe sub Sesko
The Slovenian hasn’t had an easy time of it since signing from RB Leipzig for big money, but he’s continued to provide reminders of the quality he has and he looks very much a player on the rise. Sesko has become hugely impactful from the bench. His equaliser at West Ham recently one of his best moments thus far and he looked so composed as he fired home the winning goal at Everton.
Cunha was preferred to lead the line at Everton, perhaps owing to the impact Sesko can make when emerging from the bench, usually in the second-half. He duly deliver, but becoming known as a super sub is a reputation the striker himself won’t want to assume long-term.
What £200m gets you
In the summer those at Old Trafford didn’t shy away from spending big to address problem positions, which they saw as their front three. Cunha, Mbeumo and Sesko were signed for a combined £200million and the trio have often played in the same frontline.
Michael Carrick has now won five of his six games in charge(Image: Paul Ellis/AFP)
Monday evening’s game was a tough watch at times, but it was the United trio who combined for the all important goal. Cunha’s stunning long ball into space set Mbeumo clear. He had the patience to wait for Sesko’s run, laying on a pass which the striker thumped home first time. Proof that money really does buy quality.
The case for Carrick
In the build-up to the clash at Everton Carrick’s ex-United team-mate Gary Neville continued to maintain that the Red Devils needed to seek out the best manager available come the summer, which, purely based on reputation and CVs, is not Carrick.
His four wins to begin his stint had everyone purring, but the draw at West Ham did see that noise drop down a notch or two. They salvaged a point at the Hammers but at the Hill Dickinson Stadium got back to winning ways, even if they were well below par. But, as the saying goes, good teams win when playing badly.
Champions League race
In a weekend that saw Liverpool win late and Chelsea drop two points in the dying minutes and United land three points. It looks as if its three into one for the top four, but fifth spot could yet be a route into the Champions League such is English dominance in Europe this season.
Everton failed to take advantage of their limited opportunities
But whoever finishes sixth will miss out on huge riches. Aston Villa could still be dragged into it, but we’ve seen this weekend that the big clubs will continue to drop points and open up opportunities for their rivals. The fact we are here is also either a huge plus – or a negative – depending on which camp you’re in. Liverpool looked to be lightyears ahead of United after a few weeks of the campaign, the fact they’re now almost neck and neck says a lot about both teams.
Branthwaite still in blue
Had Everton been more willing sellers their left-back on Monday night could be have been wearing red, but Jarrad Branthwaite remains on of the players most highly regarded on Merseyside. The versatile defender filled in at left-back, despite usually occupying a central berth.
His qualities had those in Manchester pursuing him less than two years ago. Everton turned down two offers, the highest being a £50million package, with United falling short of their valuation. They eventually had to go elsewhere, ending with them signing Matthijs de Light. Branthwaite is still expected to have a hugely impressive career, meaning the Toffees may again have their resolve tested.
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