Carrick praises 'ruthless' Sesko after Man Utd's key win

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick commended the contribution of substitute Benjamin Sesko following the Slovenian's composed strike that secured a 1-0 victory over Everton on Monday evening.

Sesko has not yet featured from the start in any of Carrick's six games at the helm, yet he has emerged from the bench to score in three of his most recent four outings, delivering crucial strikes.

The 22-year-old previously netted a late decisive goal versus Fulham and salvaged a draw against West Ham right at the end of added time in United's last match.

Sesko initiated the sequence leading to the match-winning goal, as United's trio of summer attacking acquisitions, costing £200 million ($270 million), linked up effectively.

Matheus Cunha located the movement of Bryan Mbeumo, who then laid the ball off for Sesko to finish and claim his sixth goal in seven games since Ruben Amorim's dismissal in January.

The result propelled United into fourth place in the Premier League, now three points ahead of Liverpool and Chelsea in the race for qualification to next season's Champions League.

"That was a ruthless finish, I appreciate how he executed it with such assurance," remarked Carrick, who has recorded five victories and one draw since assuming control at Old Trafford.

"Excellent work from Matheus and Bryan in creating the chance. Thrilled for Ben once more, entering the fray and turning the game."

United failed to reach the heights of their impressive displays against title contenders Arsenal and Manchester City in Carrick's initial two fixtures, during a rather flat encounter at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

However, the ex-Middlesbrough manager was pleased with a third shutout in six outings.

Prior to Carrick's tenure, United had managed just two clean sheets in 29 league games this term.

"We needed to put in considerable effort. Fair play to Everton, they posed challenges and forced us to protect our penalty area repeatedly. The determination shown in our defending was outstanding," Carrick continued.

Goalkeeper Senne Lammens produced several important stops to extend his strong first campaign at United for the 23-year-old Belgian.

"Senne was exceptional this evening," Carrick noted. "You could not ask for more from a keeper. It was a model performance, so pleased for him.

"You need a goalkeeper to eliminate the disarray, and Senne provides that. His poise and steadiness benefits the players ahead of him."