Benjamin Sesko scored the only goal in Manchester United's 1-0 win over Everton, celebrating with an angry, air-punching display that appeared to send a message to manager Michael Carrick. The £74million substitute has now scored crucial goals from the bench, prompting questions about whether he deserves a starting role.
Carrick has overseen five wins in six games since taking charge, and his conservative approach—using round pegs in round holes and minimal rotation—has brought stability. However, Sesko's impact as a substitute is becoming hard to ignore, with the striker making a compelling case for a place in the starting XI.
United's lack of attacking threat in the first half was evident, with Thierno Barry struggling as a lone striker. Carrick resisted making changes at halftime but eventually called on Sesko after 60 minutes. The winner came from a counter-attack, with Matheus Cunha's raking pass finding Bryan Mbeumo, who set up Sesko for a composed finish.
Everton manager David Moyes deployed creative players James Garner and Jarrad Branthwaite at full-back, a decision that limited their attacking output. Despite Iliman Ndiaye's inventiveness, Everton rarely threatened, and their commitment forward left them exposed for the decisive goal.
The combination of United's three big summer signings—Cunha, Mbeumo, and Sesko—for the goal offers promise for the future as Carrick's side continues its resurgence.
