Manchester United returned to winning ways in the Premier League with a 1-0 victory over Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night.
The Red Devils had an even opening half against the Toffees on the road. It was rather cagey with both teams determined not to concede first.
However, the second half was a more open encounter, and United eventually capitalised on a superb counter-attack to break the deadlock.
Matheus Cunha’s tremendous long ball fell right into the path of Bryan Mbeumo, who put the ball on the plate for Benjamin Sesko to score in the 71st minute.
Sesko earned the plaudits for his match-winning effort but unsurprisingly, goalkeeper Senne Lammens was handed the man of the match accolade.
The Belgium international secured his fifth clean sheet of the campaign and had to earn it as Everton put him under constant pressure between the sticks.
They tried to make it tough for him by lining up in the six yard box on multiple corners, but Lammens and United’s defence managed to see out the threat.
The former Antwerp man made two high claims with four punches. He also pulled off four saves, including one to deny Michael Keane from long range.
Speaking after the game, Toffees manager David Moyes singled out Lammens for praise.
He said that the 23-year-old did a great job, producing an amazing save to deny Keane. The 62-year-old acknowledged that Lammens was brilliant from corners.
Moyes told Sky Sports (via BBC Sport): “Their goalkeeper [Senne Lammens] did a great job, made an amazing save from Michael Keane, looked as if he could take every corner kick. I thought there was a goal in there for us but we couldn’t quite do it.”
Lammens has proved a fantastic acquisition for the Red Devils and played a big part last night.
The Red Devils have moved three points clear of Chelsea and Liverpool in the fourth spot with the victory and look in a strong position to qualify for the Champions League.
Next up, United will be in action against Crystal Palace on Sunday at Old Trafford. Palace have been a bogey club for the Red Devils with just four points in the last five meetings.
However, the club won the reverse fixture at Selhurst Park (2-1) and should fancy a league double over the south London outfit, who have been very inconsistent in recent months.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com