Manchester United’s recent resurgence under interim manager Michael Carrick continued with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday, February 23, 2026. The Red Devils, eager to avenge an earlier season defeat against Everton, delivered a performance that showcased grit, tactical nous, and a touch of late-game magic from their new super-sub, Benjamin Sesko.
Heading into matchweek 27 of the Premier League, United had their sights set on solidifying a top-four spot alongside rivals Manchester City. Everton, meanwhile, were desperate to snap a frustrating home winless run and rebound from a 2-1 loss to Bournemouth the previous week. The Toffees’ home, Hill Dickinson Stadium, was buzzing as fans hoped for another upset against the visitors, recalling Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s decisive goal in their earlier 1-0 win at Old Trafford.
Kickoff was set for 8 p.m. GMT (3 p.m. EST), with global viewers tuning in through NBC Sports on Peacock, USA Sports, and FuboTV in Canada. Everton’s lineup saw James Garner shifted to right back with James O’Brian suspended, and Tim Iroegbunam slotted into midfield. Vitalii Mykolenko dropped to the bench, while Dewsbury-Hall and Iliman Ndiaye—both in fine form—led the attack. Manchester United, forced to adapt after Lisandro Martinez suffered a calf injury, paired Leny Yoro with Harry Maguire at center-back. Senne Lammens kept his place in goal, and Benjamin Sesko started on the bench, a role in which he’s thrived under Carrick.
From the outset, the match was a tense, physical affair. Everton’s robust defense, marshaled by Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski, faced a United side that had won four of their last five league games and were hungry for more. The Toffees pressed high, winning a remarkable 10 corners over the 90 minutes, but United’s back line and goalkeeper Senne Lammens stood tall. Lammens, who was later named player of the match, made several key saves and commanded his area with authority. “He made a couple really good saves, he looked calm and composed in a tough environment. A lot of corners coming in under his crossbar, didn't get flustered, took some good chances and clean hands. He was immense for us tonight,” Carrick told BBC Match of the Day.
Everton’s attacking duo of Dewsbury-Hall and Ndiaye threatened on the break, but United’s defense, bolstered by Yoro’s assured display, held firm. For all their possession and set-piece opportunities, Everton couldn’t find a way through. As the match wore on, the tension in the stadium mounted. United, who had been stung by their earlier home defeat to Everton—when they failed to capitalize on a man advantage after Idrissa Gueye’s early red card—were determined not to let history repeat itself.
Michael Carrick, ever the tactician, made his move in the second half. With the game still goalless, he introduced Benjamin Sesko in the 71st minute. The Slovenian striker had already made a name for himself as a super-sub, rescuing a point at West Ham and netting a last-gasp winner against Fulham. This time, he didn’t need long to make his mark. Just a minute after coming on, Sesko finished off a ruthless counter-attack sparked by Matheus Cunha and involving Bryan Mbeumo. The move sliced through Everton’s tiring defense, and Sesko calmly slotted home to give United the lead.
After the match, Sesko spoke to Sky Sports about his impact: “It was really important for us to win this game. It was really difficult. We were fighting. They were fighting. It was a really 50-50 battle but we managed it until the end and secured the win. For me, it's important whenever I come on to try and help the team. That is why I'm here. Whether that is five minutes or 90 minutes, it doesn't really matter. It's about showing I can deliver if I possibly can and I'm really happy with that.”
Everton pushed hard in the closing stages, piling on the pressure with yet more corners and crosses, but Lammens and his defenders repelled every attack. The Belgian goalkeeper reflected on the challenge: “Everton are a physical team, their defenders are really big, We knew the corners and set pieces would be difficult, It's a strength of mine, but today it was a bit over the top! I had to be behind the line in order to come out. It was too much, but it can be difficult for the referee to see it. Sometimes you can't be thinking too much about players around you, because then you aren't thinking about the ball. My defenders can create space for me, so I have opportunity to come and punch the ball away. But it is getting more and more difficult.”
The final whistle brought relief and celebration for the visitors. United’s win extended their unbeaten run under Carrick to six games—five wins and a draw—moving them three points clear of Chelsea and Liverpool in the race for fourth place. The interim boss was quick to praise his squad’s spirit and unity: “That spirit, sacrifice and willingness to work for each other as a team. The way we had to defend our box together at the end of the game. In the end a clean sheet and massive win for us. It didn't come easy for us tonight. I've never had an easy game against Everton. It was one of those nights for us. We had to dig deep. It was a bit of a struggle at times but those are the best ones to win.”
For Everton, the defeat marked a seventh consecutive home game without a win. The Toffees now turn their attention to an away clash at Newcastle on Saturday, followed by a home fixture against Burnley. Despite the setback, their improved league position—eighth in the table—offers hope for a strong finish to the season, especially with Dewsbury-Hall and Ndiaye showing flashes of quality. However, defensive frailties remain a concern, particularly with key players like Jake O’Brien suspended.
Manchester United, meanwhile, look transformed under Carrick’s stewardship. The blend of experienced heads and dynamic new arrivals like Sesko and Mbeumo has given the team fresh impetus. With fixtures against Crystal Palace and Newcastle looming, United’s Champions League ambitions are firmly in their own hands. Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher summed up the mood, telling Sky Sports: “I can't see Manchester United not making it [to the Champions League].”
As the dust settles on a dramatic night at Hill Dickinson Stadium, United’s fans can dream of a return to Europe’s elite, while Everton’s faithful are left to wonder when their home fortunes will turn. One thing’s for sure: with Carrick at the helm and Sesko delivering off the bench, Manchester United’s season has found new life.