Sesko Shines and Lammens Stands Tall as United Edge Past Everton—But Carrick Has Questions to Answer

When two sides built on the counter-attack collide, something's got to give—and on this occasion, it was any semblance of quality football. What unfolded was a peculiar spectacle where both teams seemed to actively avoid possession as though it might contaminate them, desperately hoping the ball would magically improve once they regained it. Spoiler: it didn't.

The statistical backdrop tells the story. Everton have won eight of their 13 games with less than 45 per cent possession, yet managed just two victories when enjoying more of the ball. United's record shows similar tendencies—they triumphed over Manchester City, Arsenal and Fulham while seeing less than 45 per cent possession, though they nearly came unstuck against West Ham whilst enjoying 65 per cent. Their previous dominant performance under Carrick came against Tottenham, though that particular fixture hardly counts as a reliable template given Spurs' abysmal display and Cristian Romero's latest brain-fade leaving them a man short for over an hour.

The opening 45 minutes were utterly dreadful. Everton surrendered possession ten times; United managed a staggering 15 giveaways, with Kobbie Mainoo accounting for five of those alone. The sole moment of genuine craft came when James Garner unleashed a 30-yard free-kick that Senne Lammens caught with impressive composure just beneath his crossbar.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall emerged as the creative spark both sides could muster, finding pockets of space that Bruno Fernandes—United's captain—conspicuously failed to locate. The skipper delivered precious little beyond the anti-possession script, presenting a stark contrast to Dewsbury-Hall's intelligent positioning and distribution.

Then came the goal. Matheus Cunha, playing the role Fernandes couldn't, orchestrated a move of genuine beauty that felt wholly incongruous with the drudgery surrounding it. Sesko collected the ball in a three-man triangle on United's box edge, Cunha sprayed a pass while tumbling, Bryan Mbeumo took a touch and waited, and Sesko burst clear of James Tarkowski to sweep past Jordan Pickford first time. All three of United's forward additions played their part to perfection, and the youngster's three goals in 90 minutes of substitute action virtually guarantees him a start against Fulham. He looks the genuine article.

Yet the real hero wore the gloves at the opposite end. Senne Lammens—the "not good enough" fourth summer signing—turned in a masterclass under sustained assault. After Thierno Barry charged down his clearance in the opening minute, the 23-year-old proved impeccable as David Moyes's Everton relentlessly targeted him from set pieces. Ten corners swung his way, all on top of his head, and he punched, caught and battled through every one. The hosts' continued insistence on this strategy became a source of visible frustration by full-time.

Former United coach Rene Meulensteen has twice publicly questioned whether Lammels is "not good enough" for Old Trafford—criticism that reeks of manufactured negativity. A fine fingertip save from Michael Keane's distance effort, combined with a composed suffocation of Tyrique George's stoppage-time drive, secured United's first clean sheet on the road since March against Leicester. When asked about his distribution philosophy, Lammens spoke with the composure that defines his performances: "I take pride in it."

The uncomfortable truth is that this was a slog. United barely threatened until the goal arrived, and while that one excellent move provided the decisive moment, there's genuine concern about what the attacking players—particularly Fernandes—contributed beyond it.

United remain strong Champions League qualification favourites, partly because their lack of European football provides respite while Aston Villa, Liverpool and Chelsea juggle midweek commitments. Yet INEOS should proceed cautiously about handing Carrick the permanent job solely on that advantage. Until he demonstrates United can win matches by creating genuine chances whilst dominating possession, questions will persist. Titles aren't won through the approach on display here.