Lone goalscorer Benjamin Sesko was not the only player interim manager Michael Carrick hailed in the media after a 1-0 win over Everton in the English Premier League on Monday, but goalkeeper Senne Lammens was also appreciated.

The 23-year-old Lammens keeps growing in stature at Man United in his debut season as he made a few crucial saves against Everton, helping the club earn a third clean sheet in six games under Carrick.

“We had to do a lot of work. Credit to Everton they made it difficult, made us defend our box a lot. The spirit with which we defended the box was top class,” Carrick said after the match at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Carrick hails Lammens, Sesko

“Senne was oustanding tonight,” added Carrick. “You couldn’t hope for much more from a goalkeeper. It was an exempalary performance, so delighted for him.

“You want (a goalkeeper) to take the chaos away and Senne is that. That calmness and composure helps those in front of him.”

Carrick has now won five out of six matches as United’s interim coach, as the team jumped to fourth spot in the league table, three points clear of Liverpool and Chelsea.

The victory against Everton came through a Sesko goal, his sixth goal in seven appearances since Ruben Amorim was fired in January. The 22-year-old Sesko is yet to start under Carrick in six matches, but has scored from the bench in three of his last four matches.

The only goal against Everton also involved Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. The attacking players Man United bought in last summer. It was Cunha’s pass to Mbeumo that he squared off to Sesko to score the winner.

“It was a ruthless finish, I like the way he put it away with real confidence,” said Carrick. “Great play from Matheus and Bryan to set it up. Delighted for Ben again, coming on and making the difference.”

Man United’s next match is against Crystal Palace at home on Sunday.

Benjamin Sesko has scored three goals for Michael Carrick but he is yet to start a game under the new Man Utd head coach.

Michael Carrick believes Benjamin Sesko has taken “huge steps” forward at Manchester United recently and insisted his relationship with the striker is strong, despite not yet handing him a start in his time in charge at Old Trafford.

The £73.7million summer signing has scored three goals off the bench for Carrick, winning games against Fulham and Everton and earning a late draw against West Ham. His latest super sub cameo came at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, where he scored the only goal of the game to secure a 1-0 win.

Sesko was pushing for a start having come off the bench to equalise at West Ham nearly two weeks ago, but he remained amongst the substitutes on Merseyside. This time, he was introduced earlier by Carrick and he got on the end of a sweeping break involving fellow summer signings Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha to score the winner.

Try MEN Premium NOW for just £1

That will lead to further calls for Sesko to start against Crystal Palace this weekend, but Carrick insists his conversations with the 22-year-old have been good and that he is making strides at United.

“I get why everyone’s talking about it and making a bigger deal of it, but I’ve got a really good relationship with Ben,” said the United head coach. “We’ve had some really good conversations and he’s in a really good place and part of us is helping him take his steps in development and growing him as a player.

“Sometimes that’s little steps, sometimes that’s bigger steps, he’s taken some huge steps recently in terms of the goals he scored and the impact and that confidence and that belief that he’s playing with now is great to see. We’ve obviously got to manage that as well and we’ve got some good forwards, so it’s one of those decisions that we’ve got to try and get right.

“I’ve got no problem with Ben and he hasn’t got an issue, he obviously wants to play but I can’t speak highly enough of how he’s been and the work he’s putting in and his attitude to come on and do what he’s done again. I thought he finished with so much confidence and belief, a ruthless finish which kind of sums up where he’s at at the minute which is great to see.”

FOLLOW OUR MAN UNITED FACEBOOK PAGE! Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester United Facebook page

Cunha started the move for Sesko’s goal with a sweeping pass out to Mbeumo, and the Brazilian also had to show the defensive side of his game as United showed resolve to get the three points.

“That was kind of where we were tonight,” said Carrick. “I think we had to put a lot into the game and everyone did, and I think credit to Everton who made us dig deep, and it wasn’t the prettiest or the most perfect game football-wise for us.

“But Matheus, the defensive work, you put in the effort, the work rate in the end, he’s got the moment that we know we’ve got in the group to create something. He made the difference for us, but it comes from him defending really well in a deep position to then create that transition.

“He’s a great character, I’ve got to know him. Another big moment for Matheus, he’s had a number of them since the very start, starting at City when he came off the bench and he’s a big impact again today for us and he is in a good place as well.”

Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings

Benjamin Sesko has five goals in his last six games but he has again been named on the bench for Manchester United.

Michael Carrick admitted he thinks there is more to come from Benjamin Sesko when asked why the Manchester United striker had been named on the bench against Everton.

Sesko has scored five goals in his last six games in all competitions but has yet to be given a start by Carrick. After rescuing a point for United from the bench in their last outing against West Ham, many believed the Slovenia international would be handed his chance from the start at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

FOLLOW OUR MAN UNITED FB PAGE! Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester United Facebook page

However, Carrick has again opted to play without a striker, meaning Bryan Mbeumo or Matheus Cunha will lead the line and Sesko has to make do with a place on the bench. Carrick was asked to explain his selection decision ahead of the game when the point was made that many fans wanted to see Sesko start.

“I can understand that. Ben’s done great, he’s still young, he’s still learning, he’s still adapting to life here, so I’m delighted with how it’s going,” Carrick told Sky Sports ahead of kick-off. “He’s taken big steps with even the short time we’ve been together. He’s in a good place, Ben. It’s managing it as well. He’s ready, he looks a real threat, he’s confident, we’ve got selections to make and it’s not always straightforward.

Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

“Having Ben to come on and finish games recently like he has is a great thing to have. He’s going to be a big player at this club for a long time. I’ve been hugely impressed with what he’s done already but I think there’s more to come so I’m really excited about that.”

Lisandro Martinez is not in the squad for tonight’s game after he picked up an injury. Carrick confirmed the knock “doesn’t seem too bad”. It’s understood Martinez is planning to return to training later this week but it is unclear whether he will be fit in time for the trip to Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Try MEN Premium NOW for just £1

Cristiano Ronaldo’s past comments praising a former Manchester United team-mate have been backed up by a current star of the squad

Benjamin Sesko is hard at work attempting to follow in Cristiano Ronaldo’s footsteps by lifting Manchester United to greatness. And it seems the two are somewhat kindred spirits after each taking a liking to the same personalities at Old Trafford.

More specifically, Sesko has taken after Ronaldo by developing a close bond with United defender Diogo Dalot. Aside from both being from Portugal, Ronaldo spoke highly of his countryman’s characteristics when discussing players he admired.

It was towards the tail end of Ronaldo’s second stint at Old Trafford that he infamously appeared on Piers Morgan’s TalkTV show. And when pressed on which team-mates or opponents he held respect for, Dalot came out atop the list regarding United comrades.

“In Manchester United I can mention Dalot,” said the five-time Ballon d’Or-winner. “He’s young, but very professional [and] I don’t doubt that he’s going to have longevity in football because he’s young, he’s smart, intelligent and he’s very professional. Probably [Lisandro] Martinez, Casemiro is in his 30s, but I will say Dalot.”

Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings

Fast-forward to the present day, and Dalot has displayed other appealing traits after helping Sesko settle in. The 22-year-old arrived at Old Trafford from RB Leipzig last summer in a deal potentially worth £74million, but Dalot played his role in making the switch a simple one.

When asked about which players at United he has bonded with in particular, the Slovenian told the Inside Carrington podcast: “Diogo Dalot. From the start, he was really helping me.

“Trying to help me in all the ways because it’s a different world here. I’m really grateful that he stood up, and he saw his younger self in me. We are still pushing each other every day, doing all the work.”

United fans may have Dalot to thank for Sesko’s uptick in form of late as the striker has helped raise standards on the field. The frontman has scored five goals in his last six appearances and has been crucial to Michael Carrick’s success as interim manager.

FOLLOW OUR MAN UNITED FB PAGE! Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester United Facebook page

Sesko scored both of United’s goals in a 2-2 draw away at Burnley last month, albeit not the result he and his team-mates wanted. He’s since come off the bench to score the winner in the 3-2 victory over Fulham, as well as bagging the equaliser in the 1-1 draw at West Ham last week.

Dalot, 26, also continues to play a prominent role in Carrick’s plans despite some fans raising concerns about his contributions in the past. The full-back has scored once and recorded three assists in 26 outings across all competitions this term.

Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

£49

£35

Sky

Get Sky Sports here

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.

Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games this season, an increase of up to 100 more.

The Porto academy graduate, who joined United in 2018, was of rare value in Ruben Amorim’s former strategy given he’s able to play in either wing-back position. That role is no longer in use under Carrick, but the club legend has nonetheless found use for a player both Sesko and Ronaldo clearly revere.

Dalot appears to have cemented his place as first-choice right-back under Carrick, while Sesko has largely had to settle for minutes off the bench. It’s a set-up that’s worked for the most part to date, though the latter will hope to share more minutes with his close companion in the months to come.

Man Utd remain in the Premier League top four after securing a point against West Ham on Tuesday night.

Benjamin Sesko is confident Manchester United have the quality to secure Champions League football this season. Michael Carrick was close to tasting his first defeat since his appointment as interim boss against West Ham, but Sesko popped up with an injury-time goal to salvage a point in London.

Sesko’s goal ensured Carrick remains undefeated and meant United continue to occupy fourth position in the Premier League. Chelsea are a point adrift after drawing 2-2 against Leeds.

United sources confirmed at the beginning of the campaign that securing a return to Europe was the internal target. However, qualifying for the Champions League specifically would maximise broadcast revenue and help United attract the best players in the summer transfer window.

Try MEN Premium NOW for just £1

FOLLOW OUR MAN UNITED FACEBOOK PAGE! Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester United Facebook page

The Reds are well placed to secure Champions League football thanks to Carrick’s impact. “I’ve said many times, we are living for each other, to win the games and secure the Champions League spot because we believe it, we have the team for it and have the quality,” Sesko told MUTV.

The 22-year-old reflected on the draw at the London Stadium, saying: “It was a difficult start to the game, the intensity was missing a little bit. It was just one of those games that wasn’t going to be easy because they were stepping back and really compact.

“They were trying to go for the counter-attacks, so it’s something we have to learn from. I think everyone wanted… everyone was trying to win the game and fight for each other. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen today, but at least we got a draw in the end, which is important.”

Sesko scored his fifth goal in six games against West Ham. The Slovenian international has made a superb start to 2026 and has momentum after making a tricky start to life in Manchester.

“It felt amazing to score, once again helping the team to at least secure a point,” he added. “It’s a great feeling for me as well to help the team, to know I can help the team in these kinds of moments. Without the team, I could not do it, so I’m looking forward to more moments like this.”

Carrick heaped praise on Sesko, saying: “It’s an unbelievable finish from the angle to generate that, to get it on target, to finish it. It’s some goal from him. He’s capable of that, Ben.

“He’s done it over time. It’s not that he’s just suddenly burst on the scene. He’s been doing it, he’s proven that he can score goals as well. He’s been doing it in training for us as well.

“It’s not surprising, to be honest. I think that’s what he does, it’s what he’s good at. But certainly to actually do it and to feel it. He did it with the last one [against Tottenham], tonight, a little bit different with the emotion of the game, but certainly important and a big moment for him and us.”

Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings

Viral Manchester United fan, Frank Ilett, will have to wait longer to cut his hair as Michael Carrick’s side fell agonisingly short of winning their fifth consecutive match. Man United were held to a 1-1 draw by the inspiring West Ham on Wednesday in the English Premier League as Benjamin Sesko secured a point for the Red Devils.

United had won the first four matches under former player and interim manager Carrick, but as per a
condition set by Ilett in 2024, a victory over West Ham would have seen him finally cut his hair after over 500 days. But United failed to win their fifth consecutive match and Ilett would now have wait longer.

West Ham show Carrick’s United still have layers to unlock

That, however, would not be Man United’s major concern. The biggest worry would be how West Ham and manager Nuno Espírito Santo diffused a team that was high on confidence. United came into the game after beating Man City, Arsenal, Fulham and Tottenham, but the Hammers produced a perfect performance at the London Stadium.

One area where Carrick erred was that his approach was very similar to that last four games. He didn’t change much despite West Ham sitting deep, and then got lucky on the counterattack as Tomas Soucek put them in front in the 50th minute.

It took till 69th minute for Carrick to bring on Benjamin Sesko in place of Matheus Cunha, finally changing tactics to play some long ball instead of trying to stitch passes and score a goal. The introduction of the 1.95 meters tall striker Sesko from Slovenia finally paid off in the dying minutes of the match as he scored an equaliser in the 96th minute.

Bryan 🤝 Benjamin

A sublime delivery and finish deep into injury time 🎯

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 11, 2026

A very Man United result, but they would have wanted a win.

“I think we were a little disappointed and we were definitely not at our best. I’m a little frustrated at that,” Carrick told TNT Sports. “It is a tough place to come and we didn’t have that sharpness to find the answers. Great spirit again and we will take the point and move on.”

“Credit to the boys for coming back again, it is a great trait to have in the team,” Carrick added. “There are positives to take from it, you can’t win every game, we certainly didn’t want to come away from here without a point.”

United next play against Everton on Monday night.

In other EPL matches, Chelsea blew away a 2-0 lead to play out a 2-2 draw against Leeds at home. Newcastle defeated Spurs 2-1, while Bournemouth won 2-1 against Everton.