Sesko, who has yet to start in Carrick’s six matches at the helm, continued his red-hot form following the departure of Ruben Amorim last month. The Slovenian forward, signed from RB Leipzig for £74 million, endured a slow start with just two goals in his first 22 appearances. However, he has since found his rhythm, netting six times in his last seven outings.

The decisive moment arrived 19 minutes from time in what had largely been a scrappy encounter. Sesko initiated the move deep inside his own half, laying the ball off to Matheus Cunha before racing forward to meet a perfectly weighted pass from Bryan Mbeumo, calmly slotting home the winner.

Victory moves United three points clear of both Chelsea and Liverpool in the race for Champions League qualification, with only the top five earning spots next season.

For Everton, the defeat extends their winless run at home to seven matches as they continue adjusting to life at the 52,000-capacity Hill Dickinson Stadium. Managed by David Moyes, the Toffees missed the opportunity to climb to seventh and strengthen their push for European qualification.

United, who had managed just two clean sheets all season prior to Amorim’s exit, have now recorded three in six matches under Carrick, reinforcing belief that a return to Europe’s elite competition is within reach.