After Benjamin Sesko scored the winning goal for Manchester United against Everton, Gary Neville believes the forward sent a clear message to Michael Carrick
Benjamin Sesko of Manchester United celebrates after scoring their first goal during the Premier League match between Everton and Manchester United at Hill Dickinson Stadium on February 23, 2026 in Liverpool, England
Benjamin Sesko made another massive contribution for Manchester United(Image: 2026 James Gill - Danehouse)
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Gary Neville believes Benjamin Sesko's celebration for Manchester United against Everton told Michael Carrick "you must play me."
Sesko, 22, scored another vital goal for the Reds in the 1-0 away victory over Everton. In an otherwise drab match on a sodden evening at Hill Dickinson Stadium, the summer signing rounded off a great counterattack to score what turned out to be the crucial goal.
Since Carrick was appointed as interim manager, Sesko has come off the bench to score winning goals against Fulham and the Toffees, as well as the 96th minute equaliser against West Ham United. Nevertheless, the £73.7million man still has not started a match under Carrick.
In his celebration against David Moyes' side, Sesko let out a huge roar and appeared to tense every muscle in his body. Neville, who was on co-commentary duty, believed the Slovenian also let out some frustration during his celebration.
Neville said: "That is one hell of a counter attack from a team who haven't attacked all night. That's a celebration of a player saying to his manager: 'You. Must. Play. Me.'
"There. Have that! The three summer signings combining. The pass from Cunha is wonderful. There's power and precision in the finish."
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It's a result which saw United nestle themselves comfortably into the top four. Carrick has guided the Reds to five victories in his first six Premier League matches over the course of his second interim spell in charge.
Considering Sesko's goals have directly won five points for United under Carrick, many would think he will soon be a regular part of Carrick's starting eleven. Despite his lack of starts, Sesko has already come close to doubling his Premier League tally under Carrick.
Before the match, the former midfielder made it clear the ex-RB Leipzig forward will be a huge player for United, even if he is not currently a first team starter. When told many fans want to see Sesko feature more, Carrick said: "I can understand that. Ben’s done great, he’s still young, he’s still learning, he’s still adapting to life here, so I'm delighted with how it’s going.
Manchester United head coach / manager Michael Carrick celebrates at full time with Benjamin Sesko of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Everton and Manchester United at Hill Dickinson Stadium on February 23, 2026 in Liverpool, United Kingdom
Carrick could not have been happier with Sesko's cameo from the bench, after he replaced Amad(Image: 2026 Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA)
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"He’s taken big steps with even the short time we’ve been together. He’s in a good place, Ben. It’s managing it as well. He’s ready, he looks a real threat, he’s confident, we’ve got selections to make and it’s not always straightforward.
"Having Ben to come on and finish games recently like he has is a great thing to have. He’s going to be a big player at this club for a long time. I’ve been hugely impressed with what he’s done already but I think there’s more to come so I’m really excited about that.”
United moved three points ahead of Chelsea, who travel to Premier League leaders Arsenal on the weekend.