Benjamin Sesko came off the bench to break the deadlock and score Manchester United’s winning goal against Everton.
Despite scoring a dramatic late equaliser against West Ham last time out, Benjamin Sesko was again left out of Michael Carrick’s starting XI to face Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
But Carrick deserves credit for making changes early in the second half once it became clear that United were struggling to break down David Moyes’s side. Sesko deserves to start matches, but he had to wait until the 57th minute for his introduction on Merseyside.
Benjamin Sesko’s turnaround has been pretty stunning! Should he start the next game?
Sesko scored his fifth goal in his last six Premier League appearances despite only starting one of those matches. Sesko’s goalscoring record has improved drastically since Carrick came in as interim head coach.
But there have also been major improvements to Sesko’s hold-up play.
Benjamin Sesko celebrates scoring the opener during the Premier League match between Everton and Manchester United at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in 2026 in Liverpool, England.
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
Benjamin Sesko deserves credit for more than his Man United goal
There is confidence behind the scenes that Sesko is an improvement on Rasmus Hojlund, and the Slovenian has already decimated the Dane’s scoring record from last season.
But one of Hojlund’s biggest flaws was his frustrating hold-up play that often stopped United’s attacks before they ever truly started.
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There were similar concerns about Sesko’s hold-up play earlier this season, but the 22-year-old is showing signs of improvement.
As per SofaScore, Sesko boasted a 100% passing accuracy and only lost possession two times in his 32-minute cameo.
United lacked a focal point in the first half, but Sesko’s introduction changed that dynamic completely.
Benjamin Sesko was let down by Matheus Cunha slip
One of the best examples of Sesko’s hold-up play was in the second half against Everton when he managed to protect the ball and find a clever pass to Matheus Cunha.
Cunha was driving forward in possession and a pass to Sesko was opening up for a clear opportunity on goal, but unfortunately, the Brazilian slipped and Everton regained possession.
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On paper, Sesko’s impact on that play will not be reflected in the statistics, but the Slovenian deserves credit for his technical hold-up play and improved passing.
Not only do United have a lethal front man in Sesko, but also a well-rounded footballer who makes those around him more involved in play.
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