Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 24th February 2026, 5:52 AM
Benjamin Sesko once more emerged as Manchester United’s saviour, netting the only goal to secure a vital 1-0 victory over Everton and consolidate the Red Devils’ hold on fourth place in the Premier League.
Under interim manager Michael Carrick, United continued their unbeaten run, stretching it to six matches in charge. The win at Goodison Park on Monday evening marked the second consecutive match in which Sesko, coming off the bench, proved decisive.
The match-winning moment arrived in the 71st minute. Sesko initiated a swift counter-attack from his own half, exchanging passes with teammate Mateus Cunha before receiving the ball from Bryan Mbeumo. With a first-time strike, the Slovenian forward slotted the ball past Jordan Pickford, leaving Everton with no reply.
This goal marked Sesko’s eighth of the season. In the previous fixture against West Ham, he had also scored as a substitute, securing a late point for United. The pattern of impact substitutes under Carrick is becoming increasingly clear: five wins in six matches, with Sesko decisive in the last two games.
United dominated possession in the first half but struggled to carve out clear chances. Amad Diallo’s powerful effort seemed destined for the net but was cleared off the line by James Tarkowski. Later, shots from Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes failed to trouble Pickford.
After the interval, Everton pressed slightly higher, with Harrison Armstrong testing United goalkeeper Sen Lamens, although his effort lacked sufficient power.
Sesko entered as a substitute in the 58th minute and within 13 minutes had changed the complexion of the match. Late in the game, Michael Keane attempted a 25-yard thunderbolt, which Lamens comfortably tipped over the crossbar, but United held on to claim all three points.
| Team | Played | Points | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester United | 27 | 48 | 4th |
| Aston Villa | 27 | 51 | 3rd |
| Everton | 27 | 37 | 9th |
With the victory, United remain three points shy of third-placed Aston Villa. Everton, struggling to climb the table, remain ninth, 11 points behind the Red Devils.
Carrick’s steady stewardship and Sesko’s knack for decisive interventions off the bench could prove pivotal as United push to secure Champions League qualification. The Slovenian striker’s ability to turn games around in the closing stages is becoming an invaluable asset for the side, offering optimism to supporters as the season enters its crucial final months.
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