Manchester United manager Michael Carrick hailed the match-winning impact of substitute Benjamin Sesko after the Slovenian forward’s composed finish secured a 1-0 victory over Everton on Monday night.
Sesko continues bench heroics
Sesko, who has yet to start under Carrick in six matches, came off the bench to score in three of his last four appearances.
The 22-year-old netted a late winner against Fulham and salvaged a point with a stoppage-time equaliser against West Ham in United’s previous game.
At Goodison Park, Sesko started the decisive move himself before finishing coolly.
All three of United’s £200 million attacking signings from last summer combined effectively, with Matheus Cunha picking out Bryan Mbeumo’s run and Mbeumo squaring the ball for Sesko to slot home his sixth goal in seven appearances since Ruben Amorim’s sacking in January.
The goal proved enough to lift United into the Premier League top four, three points ahead of Liverpool and Chelsea in the race for next season’s Champions League spot.
Carrick pleased with ruthless finish and defensive resolve
Carrick praised Sesko’s confident and ruthless finish.
He highlighted the quality build-up play from Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, expressing delight at Sesko making the difference once again as a substitute.
United did not reach the heights of their impressive wins over Arsenal and Manchester City in Carrick’s first two games in charge.
The match at the Hill Dickinson Stadium remained largely uninspired, but Carrick was satisfied with the result.
He noted a third clean sheet in six matches under his leadership.
United had managed only two clean sheets in 29 games this season before Carrick took over.
Carrick credited Everton for making the contest tough and forcing United to defend their penalty area repeatedly.
He commended the top-class spirit shown by his players in protecting their box.
Lammens stands out in goal
Goalkeeper Senne Lammens produced several vital saves to preserve the clean sheet.
Carrick described the 23-year-old Belgian’s debut season performance as outstanding and exemplary.
He said Lammens brings calmness and composure that removes chaos from the backline and helps those in front of him.
Carrick added that one could not ask for more from a goalkeeper in such a demanding display.
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