Manchester United’s relentless pursuit of Champions League football gained significant traction at Hill Dickinson Stadium, thanks to a decisive contribution from Slovenia’s Benjamin Sesko. The super-sub, along with Brazil’s Matheus Cunha and Belgium’s Senne Lammens, played pivotal roles in securing a narrow but immensely valuable victory over a spirited Everton side. While Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s recent pronouncements have stirred debate off the pitch, the unity and diverse talents within Michael Carrick’s team proved to be their greatest asset on this occasion.
Carrick’s Unbeaten Run Continues A Managerial Masterclass
Michael Carrick’s tenure as Manchester United manager continues to defy expectations. This latest triumph marks his fifth win and one draw from six games at the helm, an audition for the permanent role that could hardly be going better. His team’s progression towards the lucrative Champions League places gathered serious momentum, placing them fourth in the table, three points clear of both Chelsea and Liverpool. Carrick has instilled a sense of purpose and resilience, evident in how his diverse squad performs under pressure.
Lammens a Tower of Strength in Goal
United’s victory was not solely built on attacking prowess. The solidity provided by goalkeeper Senne Lammens proved just as critical as Sesko’s improving form in front of goal. Lammens delivered a superb performance, particularly in the closing stages when Everton launched a barrage of corners aimed directly under his crossbar. His calm and composed presence neutralised the home side’s aerial threats, preventing what could have easily turned into chaotic situations. Carrick specifically praised Lammens for his ability to take the chaos away, a quality that significantly aids those playing in front of him.
Everton manager David Moyes, despite his team’s seventh home game without a win across all competitions, offered direct and unequivocal praise for Lammens. Moyes admitted his team repeatedly tried their corner routine, expecting a less robust performance from the United stopper, but Lammens was simply brilliant, thwarting every attempt.
Early Exchanges and Tactical Battles
The match began with a frenetic, intense opening, setting a high tempo that the crowd enthusiastically embraced. Early incidents highlighted the unpredictable nature of the game. Thierno Barry charged down Lammens’ clearance straight from kick-off, a moment of relief for United as the rebound trickled out for a goal-kick. At the other end, Kobbie Mainoo squeezed a shot past Jordan Pickford from United’s first attack, only for James Tarkowski to scramble the ball clear off the goal-line. United’s attacking play, featuring a fluid front line of Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha, displayed a degree of finesse and control, constantly testing Everton’s defensive concentration. However, after Mainoo’s early chance, neither goalkeeper was seriously troubled for an extended period, and the overall quality of play dipped somewhat. James Garner eventually forced Lammens into his first save of the night with a dipping free-kick from 30 yards in the 39th minute.
Second Half Intensifies A Breakthrough Moment
The second half mirrored the first in its lively opening, but thankfully, this intensity was sustained. Everton, under Moyes, significantly improved their pressing game, pushing forward in greater numbers and with increased effectiveness. Harrison Armstrong had a good chance for Everton early on but shot too close to Lammens. Moments later, Bryan Mbeumo had a clearer opportunity to break the deadlock. Mainoo’s excellent work won possession and delivered a dangerous cross from the right. Tarkowski sliced the ball skywards, and it dropped to Mbeumo at the back post, but his volley sailed high over Pickford’s goal. It was an awkward chance from a tight angle, yet Mbeumo would have expected to hit the target from such close range. He then took a painful blow to the chest from Tarkowski, who barged into him while shielding Pickford, an incident ignored by the match officials.
Everton’s pressure intensified, with Iliman Ndiaye’s influence growing and both Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Idrissa Gueye going close. Carrick responded with a decisive tactical change, introducing Benjamin Sesko for Diallo just before the hour mark. The £73.7m summer signing proved to be far more than just an outlet. Just thirteen minutes after his introduction, Sesko applied the clinical finishing touch to a superb counterattack by the visitors.
With Everton deeply encamped in the United half, Matheus Cunha collected a headed clearance and unleashed Mbeumo with an exquisite crossfield ball. Mbeumo, beating Michael Keane for pace, displayed remarkable presence of mind to spot Sesko sprinting through the middle unmarked. The pass inside was precise, and Sesko’s first-time finish was equally so, sweeping the ball beyond Pickford’s left hand. The substitute celebrated in front of a delirious away section, a moment that encapsulated his recent transformation. Carrick, delighted, described it as a ruthless finish that perfectly summed up Sesko’s current excellent form.
Sesko’s Remarkable Transformation
The 22-year-old Sesko has undergone a remarkable transformation in a United shirt. Having scored only twice in his first 17 outings, he now boasts six goals in his last seven appearances. This decisive strike marked his second consecutive game making a telling impact off the bench, further solidifying Carrick’s unbeaten record and delivering a precious victory in the race for Champions League qualification. For Everton, however, their struggles at their new stadium continue, with six league defeats this season and no win in their last seven home games across all competitions. They will need a resurgence akin to Sesko’s individual turnaround to achieve the European qualification that once seemed within their grasp.
This victory underscores Manchester United’s burgeoning confidence and the impactful leadership of Michael Carrick. The blend of defensive solidity, epitomised by Senne Lammens, and the clinical finishing of Benjamin Sesko, ensures their Champions League ambitions remain firmly on track. For Everton, the performance, though improved in parts, highlights a desperate need for consistency and a change in home fortunes. The road ahead for both clubs promises further drama, but for now, United celebrate a crucial three points and the ascendancy of their promising young talents.
