Benjamin Sesko proved once again that he is Manchester United's most decisive weapon, coming off the bench to net a 71st-minute winner as the Red Devils ground out a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Everton at Goodison Park on Monday, February 23.

The result extended United's unbeaten run to 10 matches under manager Michael Carrick and moved them back into fourth place in the Premier League standings on 48 points, three clear of both Chelsea and Liverpool in the race for Champions League qualification.

For much of the evening, it looked as though neither side would find a breakthrough. The first half was a tense, physical affair, with Everton's passionate home crowd driving their side into every challenge. Referee Darren England had his hands full managing a combative encounter, though significant goalmouth action was in short supply. Both teams cancelled each other out, and the deadlock remained firmly intact at the break.

The introduction of Sesko changed everything. The Slovenian striker, who has rapidly become one of the Premier League's most feared attackers since his arrival, needed just minutes to make his mark. In the 71st minute, Matheus Cunha played a superb long ball out to Bryan Mbeumo on the flank. The winger drove forward and picked out Sesko's run into the box, and the 22-year-old showed composure beyond his years, curling his finish past a diving Jordan Pickford and into the bottom right corner.

It was Sesko's third goal in four matches and his sixth in just seven appearances for Manchester United, a remarkable strike rate that has already justified the club's investment in the former RB Leipzig forward. Three of United's summer signings combined for the decisive goal, a testament to the recruitment strategy that has underpinned Carrick's revival of the club's fortunes.

Everton, to their credit, refused to accept defeat. Sean Dyche's side pushed hard for an equalizer in the closing stages, winning 10 corners to United's solitary one and firing 12 shots throughout the match. However, they were repeatedly denied by goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who made four crucial saves and four clearances to preserve his clean sheet. Harry Maguire was also outstanding at the back, matching Everton's physicality with resolute defending that kept the hosts at arm's length.

The defeat leaves Everton in ninth place with 37 points, three adrift of seventh and without a home league win since early December. It was their second consecutive league loss, and Dyche will be concerned by his side's inability to convert pressure into goals.

For Carrick, the victory was another statement of intent. Since taking the reins at Old Trafford, the former midfielder has instilled a resilience and tactical discipline that was sorely lacking under previous regimes. United may not always dazzle, but they find ways to win, and in Sesko they have a match-winner capable of deciding the tightest of contests.

Attention now turns to next weekend, with Everton traveling to St James' Park to face Newcastle on Saturday, while Manchester United host Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Sunday, looking to maintain their grip on that coveted fourth spot.