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.
The victory propelled Michael Carrick’s men back into fourth position in the Premier League table.
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.
Benjamin Sesko came off the bench to score United’s winner against Everton
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Sesko’s strike arrived via a slick counter-attacking move that showcased United’s summer recruitment.
Matheus Cunha initiated the transition with an exceptional pass out wide to Bryan Mbeumo, with three of the club’s new arrivals combining to devastating effect.
The goal marked Sesko’s third from the bench this season, having previously found the net as a substitute against both Fulham and West Ham in recent fixtures.
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.
United goalkeeper Senne Lammens was in fine form as he kept Everton at bay
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Goalkeeper Senne Lammens delivered a commanding display in the closing stages, producing four crucial saves to preserve United’s advantage.
His heroics 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 first half, it was difficult.”
The Belgian stopper emphasised the collective defensive improvement under Carrick’s stewardship.
“I always want to be confident. Since the manager has come in we have been defending well together,” he added. “We know if me and the defence keep it to zero then we have a chance to win.”
Everton had entered the contest seeking to arrest their poor run at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, having failed to secure victory in any of their previous five home fixtures.
Benjamin Sesko scores after coming on as a sub once again to give Manchester United the lead 💥 pic.twitter.com/rXNYX5sZul
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 23, 2026
The Toffees responded admirably after falling behind, mounting sustained pressure that tested United’s resolve.
Lammens acknowledged the physical challenge posed by the hosts, particularly from set pieces.
“Everton are a physical team, their defenders are really big,” he explained.
Michael Carrick has been a breath of fresh air at United
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“We knew the corners and set pieces would be difficult.”
Neither side had produced quality football for much of the encounter, though United’s need for three points was evident given the tightening Champions League race.