Manchester United edges past Everton with narrow victory
Benjamin Sesko once again proved his worth from the substitutes’ bench as Manchester United secured a hard-fought 1-0 triumph at Everton, stretching their remarkable unbeaten sequence to ten matches, reports BritPanorama.
The victory propelled Michael Carrick’s men back into fourth position in the Premier League table. Sesko, the 22-year-old Slovenian forward, came off the bench to net the decisive goal, continuing his extraordinary form as a substitute this campaign.
United’s latest success arrives at a crucial juncture in the battle for Champions League qualification, with the Red Devils capitalising on Chelsea’s failure to collect maximum points against Burnley over the weekend. The goal marked Sesko’s third from the bench this season, having previously found the net as a substitute against Fulham and West Ham.
No player in the division has matched his tally of goals scored after coming on as a replacement this term. The breakthrough proved timely for United, who had struggled to create meaningful opportunities until that moment.
Sesko’s strike arrived via a slick counter-attacking move that showcased United’s summer recruitment, with Matheus Cunha initiating the transition with an exceptional pass out wide to Bryan Mbeumo. Three of the club’s new arrivals combined to devastating effect, highlighting the potential of Carrick’s squad.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Senne Lammens delivered a commanding display, preserving United’s advantage with four crucial saves. His efforts secured the club’s first clean sheet on the road since March 2025. “Today was about the hard work, defending together,” Lammens told Sky Sports. “We know we didn’t do our best, especially the first half; it was difficult.”
Everton, seeking to arrest their poor run, mounted sustained pressure following Sesko’s goal, testing United’s resolve. Lammens acknowledged the physical challenge posed by the hosts, especially from set pieces, stating, “Everton are a physical team; their defenders are really big.”
Despite lacking quality football for much of the encounter, United’s need for three points was evident given the tightening Champions League race. With crucial fixtures ahead, the performance may serve as a vital touchstone for the team moving forward. It’s a reminder of how the margins in football can shift in an instant, often dictated by the introduction of a clever substitution and the resulting moment of brilliance.
