Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens delivered a standout performance at the Hill Dickinson Stadium as he secured the Player of the Match award with a rating of 8.23, helping seal a hard-fought 1–0 win over Everton.
The decisive moment came from substitute Benjamin Sesko, whose sharp finish in the 71st minute separated the sides. It was the second time in under two weeks that the Slovenian forward had come off the bench to make a major impact. After sparking a late rescue at West Ham thirteen days earlier, Sesko again proved decisive with a move he started deep in his own half.
After laying the ball off to Matheus Cunha, Sesko drove forward with purpose. Cunha then released a long pass to Bryan Mbeumo, and as Everton’s defence scrambled, Sesko timed his run perfectly to slot home his eighth goal of the campaign. His scoring form has been spread across three managers, highlighting his adaptability and importance to the squad.
The match itself was short on quality. Both sides had gone nearly two weeks without action, and it showed. Everton created little, although a first-half effort from teenager Harrison Armstrong forced Lammens into action before Michael Keane unleashed a fierce long-range strike late on. Lammens reacted quickly, tipping the shot over the bar to protect the lead.
United also saw chances go begging. Amad had an effort cleared off the line by James Tarkowski after Jordan Pickford partially stopped the initial shot. Still, the visitors looked the more composed side as the match wore on.
This result deepens Everton’s struggles at home, where they have now gone seven matches without a win in all competitions. They remain ninth in the table.
For United, the victory offers a strong boost. Michael Carrick has now won five of his six matches in charge, pushing the club three points clear of Chelsea and Liverpool and closing the gap behind third-placed Aston Villa. With Villa due to visit Old Trafford in three games, that gap could soon tighten even further.
Lammens’ command of his penalty area and two crucial second-half saves ultimately proved the difference on a night when opportunities were rare and margins were tight.