The winning goal came in the 71st minute, as Manchester United's attacking trio executed a well-rehearsed counter-attack. Matheus Cunha engaged in defensive pressing before delivering a long pass to Bryan Mbeumo on the right flank. The Cameroonian forward controlled the ball, then provided a precise cross for Benjamin Sesko to strike with a first-time finish, securing the 1-0 victory.

"Keeping a clean sheet is as important as scoring a goal," Carrick stated after the match, expressing satisfaction with his team's defensive organization. The English coach emphasized that the foundation for that counter-attack was the team's focus and discipline when not in possession.

Head coach Michael Carrick reacts after Manchester United's 1-0 victory over Everton in round 27 of the premier league at Hill Dickinson stadium, Bramley-Moore Dock, Vauxhall, Liverpool, England on 23/2/2026. *AP*.

This marked the third time Sesko scored after coming on as a substitute under Carrick. Previously, the Slovenian striker found the net in the sixth minute of added time in a 1-1 draw against West Ham, and then scored in the fourth minute of added time to seal a 3-2 victory over Fulham.

Carrick revealed that he has had extensive discussions with Sesko regarding patience and long-term development, while also hinting at the possibility of the 22-year-old striker returning to the starting lineup. "Sesko understands he will be an important player for the team in the long run. We have many quality strikers, so we need to ensure balance," he explained.

At Hill Dickinson stadium on the evening of 23/2, Manchester United struggled in the first half. The visitors maintained most of the possession but found it difficult to break through Everton's deep and well-organized defense.

Carrick suggested that the nearly two-week wait to play again, following the 1-1 draw against West Ham on 10/2, contributed to Manchester United's somewhat sluggish start. He commented: "Playing away against Everton is never easy. I've never had a game here where everything went perfectly. We knew the challenge beforehand. Sometimes the team has to push its limits, but victories like these are often very valuable."

Key moments from Manchester United's 1-0 victory over Everton.

Carrick admitted that this match required his players to display different qualities compared to their previous four consecutive victories. "There are games where you have to know how to suffer and show different attributes," the 44-year-old former midfielder said. "After four straight wins, I thought there would be a period where we'd have to rediscover ourselves and still get positive results. That happened to some extent at West Ham and continued today."

According to the English strategist, sacrifice, teamwork, and defensive capability in the final minutes were key. "Everyone contributed to protecting the goal. Keeping a clean sheet and winning—that's fantastic," Carrick emphasized.

Manchester United extended their unbeaten run under Carrick to six matches, comprising five victories and one draw. The Red Devils solidified their fourth position in the premier league with 48 points, three points ahead of Chelsea and Liverpool. On 1/3, Manchester United will return to Old Trafford to face Crystal Palace, a club currently in 13th place with 35 points.

Hong Duy (according to Manutd.com)