Manchester United ascended to the Premier League’s top four, courtesy of Benjamin Sesko, who, after being introduced as a substitute, netted the sole goal against Everton.
The tenacious, rather uninspired match was decided by a superb counter-offensive, further showcasing Michael Carrick’s remarkable temporary leadership of the Red Devils.
Matheus Cunha delivered an exquisite pass over the defence to Bryan Mbeumo, enabling him to advance and set up Sesko for a straightforward, composed strike.
In the Premier League during 2026, Sesko has netted more non-penalty goals than any other player, reaching a total of five.
United’s substantial financial commitment to offensive players last summer once more proved fruitful, as they overtook Chelsea with eleven fixtures remaining.
Despite not having started any of interim head coach Carrick’s six games at the helm, the Slovenian forward, Sesko, has now bagged two decisive goals and secured a late leveller, thereby preserving his undefeated tenure.
Sesko’s introduction, replacing Amad Diallo, was delayed until shortly before the sixtieth minute; nonetheless, he made a significant impression, helping to clinch a fifth victory in six outings and propelling United into fourth position, merely three points adrift of Aston Villa.
He capitalised on his opportunity with composure and precision during United’s initial dangerous foray since the fourth minute, a moment when James Tarkowski had to clear Diallo’s attempt off the goal-line after it had slipped beneath goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
According to his usual benchmarks, his seventy-first-minute goal arrived relatively soon, given that his two prior contributions during Carrick’s undefeated streak had occurred past the ninetieth minute – one to overcome Fulham and the other to salvage a draw against West Ham.
With six goals in his most recent seven outings, he has made it challenging for Carrick to overlook his pivotal input to the squad’s revival. This performance has further bolstered the head coach’s own qualifications, especially after being assigned the responsibility of revitalising the team subsequent to Ruben Amorim’s dismissal in January.