Michael Carrick Highlights His Assessment After Manchester United’s Win Over Everton
The English manager has recorded five victories in six Premier League matches this season.
Manchester United continues its unstoppable run under Michael Carrick. Following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Everton, the post-match press conference at Goodison Park centered on the new faces of the project: super-sub Benjamin Sesko and the "Man of the Match," Senne Lammens.
However, Carrick made it clear that while talent wins games, it is the character and mentality of this group that is truly defining the 2026 season for the Red Devils.
The Sesko Paradox: "A Relationship of Trust"
For the second time in a week, Benjamin Sesko decided a match after coming off the bench. While the Slovenian striker is understandably hungry for a starting spot, Carrick emphasized the maturity the youngster is showing.
"We have a very good relationship. He has taken huge steps in recent weeks," Carrick explained. "His goal was a clinical finish; it reflects the moment he is living. He wants to play, of course, but his professionalism is beyond words. He enters the pitch and changes games."
Carrick insisted that managing the growth of a young star like Sesko is about "small steps and big steps," but most importantly, ensuring the player is in a "good place mentally."
Cunha: The Engine Behind the Magic
While Sesko took the headlines, Carrick was quick to highlight Matheus Cunha. The Brazilian was the architect of the winning goal, starting the transition after a high-intensity defensive recovery.
"The goal starts with him, recovering in a deep zone and triggering the attack," Carrick noted. He admitted it wasn't United’s most "fluid" performance, but he praised Cunha’s energy and commitment without the ball. "He is a great character... he is growing with every game."
Lammens and the Van der Sar "Calm"
If there was one standout performer, it was Senne Lammens. The young Belgian goalkeeper kept another clean sheet and earned the MOTM trophy. Carrick was effusive in his praise, describing Lammens as "outstanding."
- The Philosophy: Carrick explained that he seeks a keeper who "removes chaos rather than creating it."
- The Legend Comparison: When asked if Lammens reminds him of Edwin van der Sar, Carrick was cautious but admitted to seeing similarities. "I don’t want to rush into comparisons, it wouldn’t be fair, but I see it in terms of the calmness. He has that composure that helps stabilize the entire team."
Winning "Ugly" is Part of the Plan
With five wins in his first six matches, Carrick has hauled United into 4th place. But the manager warned that not every victory will be a "stroll."
"Sometimes the game flows; other times, like today, you have to rely on spirit and the trust we are building between us," he concluded. For the new United, talent is the foundation, but mental grit is the new standard.
