Super sub Benjamin Sesko was the hero again for Manchester United as they continued their unbeaten run under Michael Carrick by beating Everton 1-0 to move up to fourth place. United had been largely frustrated in attack until substitute Sesko once more stepped up with the decisive goal in the 71st minute, side-footing beyond Jordan Pickford from Bryan Mbeumo‘s set-up. United now have five wins and a draw in their last six top-flight games under Carrick.

The victory at the Hill Dickinson Stadium means the Red Devils also leapfrog Chelsea and open up a three-point gap on the Blues and Liverpool in the race for Champions League qualification. Third-placed Aston Villa are also just three points ahead, with an inferior goal difference. Express Sport rates and slates the United players…

Man Utd player ratings vs Everton

Senne Lammens – 8

Had a scary start when his punt upfield was blocked by Thierno Barry and the ball went out for a goal kick but was really calm and composed after that. Handled James Garner’s free-kick well, denied Harrison Armstrong and pushed Michael Keane’s long-range strike over the crossbar. Held on from Tyrique George’s late drive too. Stood up to every tussle to command his box at Everton’s set-pieces.

Lashed one 25-yard half-volley just wide of the post in a solid first-half showing. Should have done better with one second-half cross that might have set Bruno Fernandes up to score.

Looked shaky at times in the first half, but did his bit in the second half to see out a welcome clean sheet. Authoritative at set-pieces. Booked.

A very steady performance at centre-back to deliver United’s first away league clean sheet of the season included some important headers and clearances. Headed clear the cross that started the counter-attack that Sesko scored from.

Enjoyed getting forward first half but without really troubling the Everton defence. A good block to thwart Idrissa Gueye second half.

More touches than any player on the pitch, by a distance, and plenty of defensive contributions, winning 10 of his duels including seven of 12 on the ground. Great pass to pick out Dalot in one attack but the full-back’s attempted cross was poor.

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An excellent cross into Mbeumo after stealing the ball in the final third and then an important block from an Idrissa Gueye shot at a corner. Good on and off the ball.

Had an early effort cleared off the line by Tarkowski after accidentally blocking Matheus Cunha’s shot but otherwise blunted. Off the ball work, especially some of his forward runs, was good despite being hooked early.

Struggled to get on the ball as much as normal and when he did, gave the ball away cheaply too many times for a player of his quality. Work ethic still top notch. Booked for a naughty one on Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

Lost his footing at the worst possible time while leading a United counter-attack in the second half, when he could have released Sesko one-on-one. But worked really hard defensively and a stunning pass to release Mbeumo when United went 1-0 up. Enjoyed his battle with right-back Garner, letting him know by celebrating in his face after one late battle.

Avoids a 5/10 thanks to his well-timed pass for Sesko to score. Didn’t get into it before half-time then thrashed one over the bar from a narrow angle with United’s biggest chance of the match at that point. But showed his quality with the assist.

Substitutes

Benjamin Sesko (Amad 58) – 8

Expertly dispatched his seventh goal of the season after a great lay-off and run. The finish follows great goals against Fulham and West Ham. Could have had a second in stoppage time but Pickford did well. Sesko is really pushing for a place in Carrick’s starting eleven.

Noussair Mazraoui (Mbeumo 77) – N/A

Defended well to help United see out victory. Booked.

Ayden Heaven (Cunha 90+4) – N/A

A late introduction. Didn’t actually touch the ball.

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