Benjamin Sesko made another vital contribution to Manchester United and Michael Carrick in their vital victory over Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Patrick Austen-Hardy Senior Sports Journalist
23:19, 23 Feb 2026
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 23: Benjamin Sesko of Manchester United celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 0-1 during the Premier League match between Everton and Manchester United at Hill Dickinson Stadium on February 23, 2026 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
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It was another huge evening for Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA, Getty Images)
Gary Neville reckons Benjamin Sesko's celebration for Manchester United against Everton told Michael Carrick "you must play me." Sesko, 22, netted another crucial strike for the Reds in the 1-0 away triumph over Everton.
In an otherwise dreary encounter on a waterlogged evening at Hill Dickinson Stadium, the summer acquisition capped off a brilliant counter-attack to grab what proved to be the decisive goal. Since Carrick was appointed as interim manager, Sesko has emerged from the substitutes' bench to net winning goals against Fulham and the Toffees, plus the 96th minute equaliser against West Ham United.
However, the £73.7million man still hasn't been handed a start under Carrick. During his celebration against David Moyes' team, Sesko unleashed an enormous roar and seemed to flex every muscle in his frame.
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Benjamin Sesko of Manchester United scores the opening goal during the Premier League match between Everton and Manchester United at Hill Dickinson Stadium on February 23, 2026 in Liverpool, England
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Sesko's emphatic finish secured another huge victory for United(Image: 2026 Chris Brunskill/Fantasista)
Neville, who was providing co-commentary, felt the Slovenian also released some pent-up 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."
This outcome has seen United comfortably secure their place within the top four. Carrick has steered the Reds to five wins in his initial six Premier League games during his second temporary stint at the helm.
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Given Sesko's goals have directly secured five points for United under Carrick, many would anticipate him becoming a regular fixture in Carrick's starting line-up soon. Despite his limited starts, Sesko has already nearly doubled his Premier League tally under Carrick.
Prior to the match, the ex-midfielder emphasised the former RB Leipzig striker will be a significant player for United, even if he isn't currently a first team starter.
When informed numerous fans are keen to see more of Sesko, Carrick responded: "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
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Carrick could not have been happier with Sesko's cameo from the bench, after he replaced Amad Diallo(Image: 2026 Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA)
"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."
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United moved three points clear of Chelsea, who face Premier League leaders Arsenal at the weekend.
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