Manchester United ground out a 1-0 win over Everton in a tight Premier League match, with substitute Benjamin Sesko scoring the only goal. The Slovenia striker struck in the second half, his third big bench contribution in four games, to earn Michael Carrick’s side three points and push United back into the top four.
A loud crowd of 52,326 watched Everton have spells of control, yet the home team couldn’t find a finish. United, on the other hand, stayed patient and took their chance on the break. In the end, it was another case of Everton creating moments, while United made one of theirs count.
Match Highlights
- First half: The game started cautiously, with both teams testing each other without many clean looks. Everton went close through Iliman Ndiaye and Thierno Barry, while Senne Lammens came up big to stop Michael Keane’s header. At the other end, Amad Diallo saw a shot cleared off the line by James Tarkowski, so it stayed 0-0 at the break.
- Second-half turning point: Everton stepped up the pressure after halftime, but United held their shape and waited for space. The winner came in the 71st minute when Matheus Cunha hit a long, accurate pass to spring Bryan Mbeumo. Mbeumo rode Keane’s challenge, then squared for Sesko, who guided a calm finish past Jordan Pickford for 1-0.
- Late Everton push: Everton threw players forward to chase the equalizer. James Garner bent one just wide, and a run of late corners made the visitors uncomfortable. Still, United stayed organized through five minutes of added time and protected the clean sheet.
- Standout moments: Lammens’ stop from Keane, Tarkowski’s goal-line clearance, and Sesko’s winner summed up a match decided by defending and one sharp counter.
With the result, Manchester United extended their strong run under Carrick to six unbeaten matches, with five wins and one draw. Everton, meanwhile, left frustrated after a better overall display that still produced no goals.
Manchester United Player Ratings and Statistics
United spent long stretches without the ball, yet they defended well and stayed sharp when the opening appeared.
| Player | Position | Key Stats | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senne Lammens | GK | 4 saves, clean sheet | 8/10 |
| Diogo Dalot | RB | 2 tackles, forward runs | 7/10 |
| Matthijs de Ligt | CB | Solid defending | 7/10 |
| Lisandro Martinez (injured pre-match) | – | – | – |
| Luke Shaw | LB | Fouls conceded | 6/10 |
| Casemiro | CM | Set the tempo | 7/10 |
| Bruno Fernandes | AM | Booked, created chances | 7/10 |
| Amad Diallo | RW | Shot cleared off the line | 7/10 |
| Matheus Cunha | CM | Assist (long pass) | 8/10 |
| Bryan Mbeumo | LW | Assist, strong hold-up play | 8/10 |
| Rasmus Hojlund | ST | Subbed off | 6/10 |
| Benjamin Sesko | Sub | Goal (71′) | 9/10 |
Everton Player Ratings and Statistics
Everton moved the ball well and built pressure, but the final touch never arrived. Their defense held firm until the breakaway goal.
| Player | Position | Key Stats | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jordan Pickford | GK | 3 saves | 7/10 |
| Nathan Patterson | RB | Overlapping runs | 6/10 |
| James Tarkowski | CB | Goal-line clearance | 8/10 |
| Michael Keane | CB | Header saved | 7/10 |
| Vitaliy Mykolenko | LB | Steady defending | 7/10 |
| Idrissa Gueye | CM | Strong midfield work | 7/10 |
| James Garner | CM | Late shot wide | 7/10 |
| Iliman Ndiaye | AM | Direct runs | 7/10 |
| Thierno Barry | FW | Won fouls in good areas | 6/10 |
| Dominic Calvert-Lewin | ST | Physical battle up front | 6/10 |
Carrick’s Call Pays Off Again
Carrick turned to Sesko and got the reward, as the former RB Leipzig forward keeps delivering in short bursts. After the match, Sesko kept it simple, saying it was important to win and that the game took plenty of fighting.
United’s best work came in transition. Cunha’s range of passing opened the door, while Mbeumo’s strength and timing set up the finish.
Everton Left With Regrets
Everton’s camp will focus on the good parts, especially the possession and the chances created. Still, the home side paid for one loose moment when United broke at speed. A high line gave Sesko the space he needed, and United punished it.
What’s Next?
Everton head to Newcastle United next, while Manchester United return to Old Trafford to face Crystal Palace. Both teams remain in the mix for European spots, and each will want to build momentum quickly.
At Hill Dickinson Stadium, the margin stayed thin all night. Everton competed well, yet Manchester United left with the points because Sesko stayed clinical when it mattered.
