Benjamin Sesko goal unable to prevent late Manchester United heartbreak at Everton

Manchester United were denied victory by Everton’s stoppage-time equaliser at Hill Dickinson Stadium, despite Benjamin Sesko scoring in the 88th minute to put Michael Carrick’s side back in front.

Sesko’s goal appeared to have secured United a 2-1 win after a closely fought match, but Ainsley Maitland-Niles struck in added time to earn Everton a 2-2 draw and cost Manchester United two valuable Premier League points.

The result leaves United with four points from their opening three league matches, a return below what had been expected before the campaign began. Carrick nevertheless played down concerns about his side’s modest start to the season.

For Sesko, the late equaliser took the gloss off what should have been a memorable moment: his first goal for Manchester United.

“We’re very disappointed of course because we were very close [to winning] and yet so far,” he told MUTV.

The forward had not started a match for United this season after missing pre-season because of a shin injury. He had recovered sufficiently to be named among the substitutes for the opening game, but his return to the starting line-up had been delayed until the trip to Everton.

Sesko said the way United conceded the equaliser made the outcome particularly difficult to accept, given the effort made by the players to hold on for victory.

“To concede a goal like that in the last minute, to happen the way it did, it’s painful for everyone because everyone was giving everything to try and win the game. Every single person here wants that. In the moments like this where a last shot decides it, it’s very painful.

“For me, it’s the best feeling when I’m scoring, especially for the club like that. When I can provide the goals and the points for the team – it’s my job at the end of the day. It’s nice to be back with the team to experience all the games again. Of course I wish today that we had won, but we can’t change that.

“It’s really important to take everything as positive even when it’s not the best option from today. To see the game in a good light, to try and improve and focus for the next game.”

United’s second-half lead had looked enough when Sesko finished late in the match, giving Carrick’s team the advantage for a second time. Everton’s response, however, ensured that the visitors left with only a point.

The draw means Sesko’s first United goal was ultimately overshadowed by Maitland-Niles’ late intervention. United must now focus on their next fixture as they look to improve on an opening three-game league record that has produced four points.