Manchester United secured a 1-0 win at Everton to move up to fourth in the Premier League table and remain unbeaten under Michael Carrick
22:18, 23 Feb 2026
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Man Utd claimed three huge points on Monday(Image: Getty Images)
Super substitute Benjamin Sesko was once again the saviour for Manchester United as they extended their undefeated streak under Michael Carrick, defeating Everton 1-0 to climb to fourth place.
United had been largely thwarted in their attacking efforts until substitute Sesko stepped up once more with the crucial goal in the 71st minute, deftly guiding the ball past Jordan Pickford from Bryan Mbeumo's assist. United now boast five victories and a draw in their last six Premier League matches under Carrick.
The triumph at Hill Dickinson Stadium sees the Red Devils leapfrog Chelsea and establish a three-point lead over the Blues and Liverpool in the battle for Champions League qualification. Third-placed Aston Villa are also just three points ahead, but with a lesser goal difference.
Everton and Man Utd went toe-to-toe under the lights
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Everton and Man Utd went toe-to-toe under the lights(Image: Offside via Getty Images)
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Senne Lammens, 8 - Endured a shaky start when his clearance was blocked by Thierno Barry and the ball went out for a goal kick, but remained cool and collected thereafter. Handled James Garner's free-kick well, denied Harrison Armstrong and tipped Michael Keane's long-range effort over the crossbar. Also held firm against Tyrique George's late strike. Commanded his area effectively during Everton's set-pieces.
Diogo Dalot, 6 - Fired a 25-yard half-volley just wide of the post in a solid first-half performance. Should have done better with a second-half cross that could have set Bruno Fernandes up for a goal, reports the Express.
Leny Yoro, 7 - Appeared uncertain at moments during the opening period, but contributed effectively in the second half to secure a much-needed clean sheet. Cautioned.
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Harry Maguire, 8 - A thoroughly composed display at centre-half to deliver United's maiden away league shutout of the campaign featured several crucial headers and clearances. Nodded away the delivery that sparked the counter-attack from which Sesko netted.
Luke Shaw, 7 - Relished advancing forward in the opening half but failed to genuinely threaten the Everton backline. An excellent block to deny Idrissa Gueye in the second period.
Casemiro, 8 - Registered more touches than any other player on the field, by some margin, alongside numerous defensive interventions, prevailing in the majority of his challenges. Superb pass to locate Dalot whose attempted delivery proved wayward.
Kobbie Mainoo, 7 - A brilliant cross towards Mbeumo following a theft of possession in the attacking third, then a vital block from an Idrissa Gueye effort at a set-piece. Impressive both in and out of possession.
Amad Diallo, 6 - Saw an early chance cleared from the goalline by Tarkowski after inadvertently deflecting Matheus Cunha's strike but otherwise ineffective. Movement without the ball, particularly some of his forward bursts, proved promising despite being withdrawn prematurely.
Bruno Fernandes, 5 - Found it difficult to influence proceedings as extensively as usual and when opportunities arose, surrendered possession carelessly on too many occasions for someone of his calibre. Booked for a cynical challenge on Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
Matheus Cunha, 7 - Lost his footing at the most inopportune moment whilst spearheading a United counter-attack in the second half, when he could have set Sesko through one-on-one. However, grafted tremendously in defence and delivered a magnificent pass to release Mbeumo when United took a 1-0 lead. Relished his tussle with right-back Garner, making his feelings known by celebrating directly in front of him after one late encounter.
Bryan Mbeumo, 6 - Escapes a 5/10 rating courtesy of his perfectly-weighted pass for Sesko to find the net. Yet failed to impose himself before the interval, then blazed one over the crossbar from a tight angle with United's clearest opportunity of the match at that stage. Subsequently demonstrated his class with the assist.
Substitutes:
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Benjamin Sesko (Amad 58), 8 - Clinically converted his seventh goal of the campaign following an excellent lay-off and run. The finish continues a sequence of superb strikes against Fulham and West Ham. Might have doubled his tally in added time but Pickford responded brilliantly. Sesko is genuinely pressing for inclusion in Carrick's starting eleven.
Noussair Mazraoui (Mbeumo 77), N/A - Defended solidly to assist United in securing victory. Cautioned.
Ayden Heaven (Cunha 90+4), N/A - A late substitution.