Benjamin Sesko has urged Manchester United to pick themselves up quickly after their victory slipped away in the cruelest fashion at Everton.
The Red Devils were seconds away from securing back-to-back Premier League victories on Sunday when Everton substitute Ainsley Maitland-Niles produced a stunning stoppage-time finish to rescue a 2-2 draw at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
For United, it felt like two points had been ripped away.
Sesko had come off the bench to head Manchester United into what appeared to be a winning position, but Everton refused to surrender until the final whistle.
The draw continues a turbulent start to Michael Carrick’s first full campaign as United head coach.
United opened the season with a shock 2-0 defeat against Championship playoff winners Hull before responding in style with a 5-2 demolition of Ipswich at Old Trafford.
The Everton fixture appeared set to deliver another step forward. Instead, Maitland-Niles changed the mood with one final strike.
Sesko admitted the result was painful, particularly given how close United were to taking all three points.
“We’re disappointed of course because we were very close yet so far,” United striker Sesko said. “To concede a goal like this, especially in those last, last minutes, it happens the way it did, it’s painful for everyone because everyone was giving everything trying to win the game because we really want [to win].
“Every single person here wants that and then in the moments like this, when this last kind of shot decides [the game], it’s just very, very painful.
“It’s really important to take everything as positive, even though it’s not the best option from today.
“But just to see the game in a good light, try to improve and focus for the next game and try to win the next game. That’s the way it is.”
That mentality could be crucial for United.
The result may feel like a defeat, but the campaign will not be decided by one stoppage-time goal. Carrick’s side must now channel the frustration into their next challenge. And there is no shortage of motivation.
Manchester United are preparing for their long-awaited return to the Champions League, with Azerbaijan champions Sabah arriving for Thursday’s league-phase opener.
It represents an immediate opportunity to reset. For Sesko, the match could also provide another major step in his own return to full fitness.
The 22-year-old striker joined United from RB Leipzig last year but has been managing a shin injury suffered in May. The problem ruled him out of preseason and has restricted him to three substitute appearances this season.
His goal against Everton was therefore significant.
It was his first since May 3 against Liverpool, the match in which his injury flared up, and it offered a reminder of what United can gain from having the forward firing again.
“For me, obviously it’s the best feeling when I’m scoring, especially for the club like that,” Sesko told MUTV having scored his first goal since the May 3 match against Liverpool in which the issue flared up.
“When I can provide the goals, when I can provide the points for the team. It’s my job in the end of the day. It’s nice to be back, to be with the team, to experience all the games again.
“Of course I would wish that especially today we would win that. It would be very nice, but we can’t change that.”
United now have a chance to turn frustration into momentum.
Sabah offers the perfect stage to respond before the biggest test of all arrives next weekend, when Manchester City visit Old Trafford.
The Everton draw was painful. But Sesko’s message is clear: Manchester United cannot afford to dwell on it. The next game is already waiting.
Toosin is a dedicated sports writer with a strong background in crafting engaging and insightful content. With experience at Goal, he has developed a sharp editorial sense and a refined storytelling approach that brings depth and perspective to sports journalism. His passion for the game goes beyond the headlines, as he captures both the excitement of the sport and the compelling human narratives behind each event. Toosin’s work resonates with a broad and diverse audience, making global sports stories accessible, relatable, and impactful.
