Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko came off the bench to score the only goal of the match, guiding Manchester United to a 1-0 victory over Everton and propelling them into the Premier League’s top four. The win further underlined the impressive form of United under interim manager Michael Carrick, who has overseen a string of positive results since taking charge.
Since Carrick assumed responsibility, Sesko has yet to start a game, making this his third decisive impact as a substitute. In two previous matches, he scored late goals that secured a win and a draw, proving his knack for changing games from the bench.
At Everton’s home ground, Sesko replaced Amad Diallo in the 58th minute. Just 13 minutes later, he calmly converted a fast counter-attack in the 71st minute, marking his sixth goal in seven matches. The move was set up by a precise long pass from Mateus Cunha, which Bryan Mbeumo controlled, evaded a defender, and laid perfectly for Sesko to finish.
Despite United enjoying more possession in the first half, their attacking play was largely ineffective. Early in the match, James Tarkowski cleared a Diallo shot off the line to keep Everton in the game. Attempts from Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes also failed to find the target.
Everton became slightly more threatening after the break. Harrison Armstrong had a clear chance but could not convert. In the dying minutes, Michael Keane unleashed a long-range effort that United goalkeeper Sène Lammers spectacularly saved, securing United’s first away clean sheet since March.
This victory marked United’s fifth win in six matches, elevating them to fourth place in the standings. After 27 games, they have 48 points, just three behind third-placed Aston Villa. Everton, by contrast, remain ninth with 37 points from 27 matches.
Current Standings Snapshot
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Points | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester United | 27 | 14 | 6 | 7 | 42 | 48 | 4 |
| Aston Villa | 27 | 15 | 5 | 7 | 40 | 51 | 3 |
| Everton | 27 | 10 | 7 | 10 | 32 | 37 | 9 |
Everton’s hopes of qualifying for European competition have suffered a significant setback. At their new Hill Dickinson Stadium, David Moyes’ side are now winless in seven consecutive matches, leaving fans concerned over their form in the run-in.
Manchester United’s continued momentum under Carrick, combined with Sesko’s impact as a super-sub, gives the club a strong chance of securing a top-four finish and returning to European competition next season.