Man Utd Fixtures: Sesko strike, Carrick’s unbeaten run and why Neville and Carragher think United can climb into the top three
Manchester United strengthened their bid in the top-four battle with a 1-0 win at Everton, a result that has recalibrated the conversation around upcoming man utd fixtures and Champions League qualification. Benjamin Sesko's 71st-minute finish off the bench extended Michael Carrick's unbeaten run to six games, lifted United back to fourth and created fresh momentum that pundits believe could carry through to the run-in.
Man Utd Fixtures: what the Everton victory changes
The win at Everton moved Manchester United three points clear of both Liverpool and Chelsea and put them back up to fourth in the Premier League table. That rise gives United a three-point advantage over fifth-placed Chelsea, who dropped points at home to Burnley. With only six points separating the four teams fighting to join Arsenal and Man City in the top five, upcoming fixtures will be decisive.
Sesko, substitutions and the decisive moments
Benjamin Sesko fired Manchester United to victory with his third goal off the bench in four games. The goal arrived on 71 minutes, a calm finish past Jordan Pickford, after Michael Carrick turned to his bench just before the hour-mark. The move finished with Sesko slotting away a pass from Bryan Mbeumo that had been kickstarted by a superb pass from Matheus Cunha. Earlier, Diogo Dalot and Amad had gone close in a quiet first half.
Carrick’s unbeaten run, form table and squad contributors
Michael Carrick's unbeaten run now stands at six games. Manchester United are preparing to return to Premier League action sitting top of the form table in 2026 and determined to finish the season strongly. Offensively, the squad have scored 50 times in 2025/26. At the back and in goal, Senne Lammens and his defence held firm at Everton to secure a third clean sheet in their last six games.
Several squad details have been highlighted during Carrick's tenure: Kobbie has started all five games under Michael and has been noted for simple, effective work with two assists to look out for; Licha has made 10 consecutive starts; and Diogo Dalot has started every game under Michael Carrick, contributing both defensively and offensively.
Rivals, European knockouts and the top-four calculus
The topology of the race is being influenced by European commitments. Unai Emery's Aston Villa, Chelsea and Liverpool all face European knockout football in March, a schedule that adds fixtures and potential distractions. Aston Villa are now three points clear of United in third, but Villa drew 1-1 at home to Leeds United. Chelsea conceded a last-minute goal against Burnley, and Liverpool scored late to beat Nottingham Forest.
Jamie Carragher said he believes Champions League qualification is virtually guaranteed for Manchester United following the Everton win and pointed to United's lighter schedule as an advantage. Gary Neville said United have an incredible opportunity to finish in the top four after a period of several weeks where expectation did not match results. Neville noted United had no game for two weeks, did not play particularly well at Everton, but are beginning to get over the line in matches they might previously have dropped. He added he thinks United could finish third, even suggesting they could finish third or fourth, pointing to the distraction of European football for rivals.
Immediate schedule, squad news and club communications
United are not in action this weekend due to broadcast selections and must wait until Monday night to face Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Michael Carrick's press conference is scheduled for 13: 30 GMT on Friday, with a second instalment available at 22: 30 on Sunday. The fixture calendar and Manchester United's next set of matches will be watched closely, as the combination of form, schedule and squad availability has shifted the balance in the race for top-four places.
What to watch in upcoming man utd fixtures
- The consistency of Sesko off the bench and whether his scoring streak continues.
- How Senne Lammens and the defence manage set-piece pressure after holding firm to secure a third clean sheet in six games.
- Whether Diogo Dalot, Kobbie and Licha maintain their current runs of starts and contributions.
- How the European knockout commitments of Aston Villa, Chelsea and Liverpool affect those clubs' league performances in March.
Recent results and narrow point margins mean each forthcoming fixture matters. The run-in will reveal whether the momentum from the Everton victory and Carrick's unbeaten run is enough for Manchester United to challenge for third place and secure Champions League football next season.
