Manchester United Clinches Vital Victory at Everton as Benjamin Sesko Scores and Senne Lammens Shines in Goal at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Manchester United walked away from Everton’s stunning new Hill Dickinson Stadium with smiles and optimism after a hard-fought 1-0 victory that could prove pivotal in their quest for Champions League qualification.

The spotlight, however, was shared between the attacking flair that produced the goal and the calm, composed presence guarding their net.

Sesko’s Strike Caps United’s Summer Signings Paying Off

The breakthrough came when Benjamin Sesko latched onto a perfect setup from Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, two of United’s high-profile summer recruits.

The goal was a textbook example of fast, incisive counter-attacking football, demonstrating how the club’s £200 million investment in new talent is starting to click under Michael Carrick’s guidance.

Sesko’s finish was clinical, but the move itself reflected months of integration work between these new arrivals—a glimpse at how United’s offensive machinery could gel in the coming weeks.

Lammens Steals the Show Between the Posts

At the other end of the pitch, it was United’s goalkeeper, Senne Lammens, who quietly commanded the match.

Since taking over as first choice in October, the 23-year-old Belgian has exuded a maturity well beyond his years, calmly navigating the intense scrutiny of Premier League football.

Even when Everton surged late in search of an equalizer, Lammens remained composed.

He punched, caught, and defused crosses with precision, turning set-piece chaos into manageable situations—a skill he described earlier in the season as treating corners like “war.”

His tip over Michael Keane’s near-certain goal in the 83rd minute perfectly showcased his reliability.

David Moyes, Everton’s manager, summed it up succinctly: “Bloody brilliant!” For a former United manager, that praise carries extra weight.

Character and Composure at Old Trafford Levels

Carrick emphasized that a goalkeeper’s value isn’t just in physical saves but in calming the game and instilling trust.

Lammens has done exactly that, navigating intense pressure and proving he can be the backbone of this United squad for years.

Comparisons to Edwin van der Sar, which the goalkeeper received modestly, only underline the impact he’s beginning to have.

Behind the headlines and the match-winning moments, Lammens’ story is also one of shrewd recruitment.

United pursued him over Aston Villa’s Emi Martinez, valuing his age, potential, and European track record. At £21.7 million from Royal Antwerp, the move has started paying dividends, stabilizing a position that saw uncertainty under Andre Onana.

A Night of Perfect Timing for United’s Management

For United’s executive team—chief executive Omar Berrada, director of football Jason Wilcox, and head of recruitment Christopher Vivell—the result was vindication.

A match-winning goal from Sesko, orchestrated with Mbeumo and Cunha, coupled with Lammens’ heroic performance, provided evidence that the club’s strategic summer investments were making the right impact at the right moment.

What’s Next?

United’s focus will return to sustaining this momentum.

Champions League qualification is still far from secured, and the Premier League run-in promises tough challenges ahead.

For Lammens, maintaining composure and consistency will be key as he continues to adapt to life as a full-time Premier League No. 1. Meanwhile, Sesko, Mbeumo, and Cunha will be central to Carrick’s attacking strategies in the remaining fixtures.

On the tactical front, expect United to leverage their counter-attacking speed while relying on Lammens’ growing confidence to weather pressure from top-flight competitors.

Summary

By CHRIS WHEELER, NORTHERN SPORTS WRITER
Published: 03:21 EST, 24 February 2026 | Updated: 03:28 EST, 24 February 2026

Manchester United’s late winter victory at Everton showcased the perfect blend of attacking flair and defensive composure.

Benjamin Sesko’s clinical goal, set up by summer signings Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, highlighted United’s emerging offensive synergy, while young goalkeeper Senne Lammens proved indispensable under pressure.

The Belgian’s assured performance and maturity point to a long-term solution in goal, bringing stability after previous uncertainty.

For Michael Carrick’s squad, the result reinforces Champions League ambitions and underscores the value of strategic recruitment and player development.