On an evening when United struggled for fluency in attack, Lammens’ composure and command at the back proved decisive. The Belgian shot-stopper secured the club’s first away clean sheet since last March, anchoring a defensive display that withstood sustained second-half pressure at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
“For me, a goalkeeper has to be reliable, be trustworthy,” Carrick said after the final whistle. “Instead of creating chaos, you want him to take the chaos away and calm things down. I think Senne does that.”
Everton’s Plan Foiled
Everton, managed by former United boss David Moyes, sought to disrupt Lammens’ rhythm by crowding him during a series of corners in the second half. Blue shirts swarmed the six-yard box, testing both his nerve and his authority.
But the tactic backfired.
“The goalie was bloody brilliant,” Moyes admitted. “The save he made from Michael Keane, the way he dealt with the corners. We hoped somewhere we’d have got one of them with the pressure we had in those situations. I thought we would get one, but we didn’t. For me he was the best player on the pitch.”
Despite Everton’s territorial dominance at times, Lammens’ handling and positioning ensured United never lost control of the scoreline.
Sesko’s Impact Off the Bench
While United’s defense held firm, their attack initially sputtered. Clear-cut opportunities were scarce, and frustration grew as the match remained locked at 0-0.
The turning point came with the introduction of Benjamin Sesko. The 22-year-old forward, a £66 million ($89 million) summer signing, once again delivered from the bench, finishing a rapid counterattack to seal all three points.
The goal marked Sesko’s sixth in his last seven appearances — a prolific run that has yet to translate into a guaranteed starting berth.
Carrick acknowledged there may be outside speculation about the striker’s role but dismissed any suggestion of discontent.
“I get why everyone’s talking about it and making a bigger deal of it, but I’ve got a really good relationship with Ben,” Carrick said. “I’ve got no problem with Ben and he hasn’t got an issue. He obviously wants to play, but I can’t speak highly enough of how he’s been, the work he’s putting in and his attitude to come on and do what he’s done again.
“We’ve had some really good conversations and he’s in a really good place. Part of us is helping him take his steps in development and growing him as a player.
“Sometimes that’s little steps, sometimes that’s bigger steps — and he’s taken some huge steps recently. That’s great to see.”
Momentum Under Carrick
The victory continues a remarkable start to Carrick’s tenure. Since replacing Ruben Amorim, the United boss remains unbeaten, guiding the club back into Champions League contention.
Overtaking Chelsea to move into fourth adds further weight to the resurgence, though sterner tests undoubtedly lie ahead.
United return to action on March 1 when they host Crystal Palace at Old Trafford, looking to maintain their upward trajectory.
Everton’s Growing Pains
For Everton, the defeat underlined a familiar frustration at their new home. The Toffees have won just four of their 14 league matches at Hill Dickinson Stadium, and Moyes conceded adaptation remains a work in progress.
“I think there is probably a change — other teams come here and enjoy it,” he said. “There are things about it which are different and we have to get used to.
“But I think our games are better than at Goodison. Our team is better this year and it wasn’t as if we were winning every game at Goodison, to be honest.”
On a night defined by fine margins, Everton’s pressure went unrewarded, while United’s resilience — embodied by Lammens — proved decisive. In a match short on spectacle but rich in significance, Carrick’s side found a way to win, and in the Premier League’s relentless race for the top four, that can make all the difference.