Bryan Mbeumo sets up Sesko winner against Everton as United strengthen top-four push

By Angu Lesley

Manchester United secured a narrow but valuable Premier League victory over Everton as Bryan Mbeumo’s decisive contribution helped seal a 1-0 win at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Matchday 27.

In a contest short on clear-cut chances, it was Mbeumo’s moment of quality that proved the difference. The Cameroon international showed composure and vision to provide the assist for substitute Benjamin Sesko, whose 71st-minute strike settled a tight encounter.

With the game finely balanced after a largely scrappy first hour, United broke forward with purpose. A direct ball into the attacking third found Mbeumo in space on the right. Under pressure, he controlled intelligently before slipping a precise pass into Sesko’s path. The Slovenian forward did the rest, finishing confidently beyond Jordan Pickford to hand United the lead.

It was Sesko’s latest impact off the bench, but the groundwork belonged to Mbeumo, whose creativity and awareness unlocked an Everton defence that had otherwise remained compact.

Everton had enjoyed spells of territorial dominance, particularly in the first half, pressing aggressively and forcing United into hurried clearances. However, clear opportunities were limited, with United’s defensive line holding firm and goalkeeper Senne Lammens called upon only intermittently.

After falling behind, the hosts pushed numbers forward in search of an equaliser. A series of late corners and deliveries into the box tested United’s resolve, yet the visitors remained disciplined, repelling crosses and managing the closing stages with maturity.

The result extends United’s strong recent run and consolidates their position in the race for Champions League qualification. While Sesko applied the finishing touch, it was Mbeumo’s decisive assist that ultimately separated the sides — another influential display from the winger in a campaign where his attacking output continues to grow in importance.

For Everton, the defeat represents a missed opportunity to capitalise on home advantage, as United depart Merseyside with three crucial points and renewed momentum.