Benjamin Šeško Fires Manchester United into Top Four with Win at Everton

Benjamin Šeško once again proved decisive for Manchester United, emerging from the bench to score the only goal in a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Everton and propel his side into the Premier League’s top four.

The Slovenia international has yet to start under interim head coach Michael Carrick, but his influence has been profound. This latest strike marks the third time in four matches that Šeško has rescued his manager — having previously netted two late winners and a stoppage-time equaliser to preserve Carrick’s unbeaten record.

Introduced just before the hour mark in place of Amad Diallo, Šeško required only 13 minutes to make his mark. Latching onto a swift counter-attack, he finished clinically to secure United’s fifth victory in six league matches, moving them into fourth place — three points behind Aston Villa.

Clinical Intervention

The decisive goal stemmed from a sweeping pass by Matheus Cunha from deep inside his own half, isolating Bryan Mbeumo against Michael Keane. Mbeumo surged beyond the defender before delivering a composed square ball across the area, which Šeško converted emphatically.

It was United’s first genuine threat since the fourth minute, when Keane had cleared Diallo’s effort off the line after it slipped beneath Jordan Pickford.

Remarkably, Šeško’s 71st-minute strike was comparatively early by his recent standards. His previous goals during Carrick’s unbeaten run had both arrived beyond the 90-minute mark — one securing victory over Fulham, the other salvaging a draw at West Ham United. He has now scored six times in his last seven appearances.

Everton Threaten but Falter

Everton, who have struggled for consistency at home, showed greater urgency after the interval. Iliman Ndiaye and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall combined neatly to shift play across the pitch, but Harrison Armstrong’s tame effort failed to trouble Senne Lammens.

United, meanwhile, lacked fluidity for extended periods. Diogo Dalot fired narrowly wide from a partially-cleared corner, while captain Bruno Fernandes blazed over before the break.

Šeško’s introduction altered the contest, however, and Everton’s closest attempt at an equaliser came when Keane’s long-range effort forced Lammens into a fingertip save — preserving United’s first away league clean sheet since March.

European Implications

The result represents a setback for Everton’s own European aspirations. David Moyes’s side remain ninth in the table, trailing Brentford and AFC Bournemouth, and eight points adrift of Chelsea and Liverpool.

They have now gone seven matches without a home victory at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

For United, by contrast, momentum continues to build. With Šeško delivering crucial goals and Carrick’s side climbing the table, belief is steadily growing that a return to Champions League football may yet be achieved.