Benjamin Sesko came off the bench to score the only goal of the game as Manchester United beat Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium
Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha avoided a yellow card for celebrating in the face of Everton player Matheus Cunha causing controversial scenes. The Brazilian midfielder looked to shepherd the ball out of play in second-half injury time as Michael Carrick’s side looked to protect their 1-0 lead.
Cunha pumped his fists in the face of the former United midfielder, before falling to the floor where he continued his celebration after winning a goal kick. The Toffees were pushing for a late equaliser and defender James Tarkowski had to be held back by Luke Shaw as the game threatened to boil over.
The United playmaker avoided a yellow card from Darren England with Michael Carrick responding quickly to substitute the midfielder, bringing on Ayden Heaven in his place.
It’s unclear whether the substitution was pre-planned or a result of Cunha’s antics near the deadball line. Former United defender, Gary Neville, felt the Brazilian’s behaviour was ‘antagonistic’ towards Garner.
Speaking on commentary, he said: “They’ve both given each other quite a bit in the game. Garner’s done well. Cunha’s done well. They’ve stuck at it. Cunha’s celebration in Garner’s face is antagonistic.”
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Nevertheless, Cunha avoided a booking, in what would have been only his second yellow card in the top flight this season.
United would hold on to claim an important three points in the race for Champions League football, moving up to fourth in the table.
Benjamin Sesko came off the bench to score the only goal of the game in the 71st minute, with all three of United’s summer signings – Sesko, Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo – combining for the goal.
It wasn’t United’s best performance under Carrick since he took interim charge of the club, but the win moves them three points clear of Chelsea in fifth after their draw with Burnley at the weekend.
United are currently ten games unbeaten stretching back to Amorim’s final few matches at the helm, but appeared to have turned a corner with wins over Manchester City and Arsenal in Carrick’s first games in charge.
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They’ve not been able to repeat those fine displays but are still picking up important points along the way, returning to winning ways after the draw with West Ham United earlier this month.
Speaking after the win over Everton, Carrick praise Cunha’s performance and said: “That was kind of where we were tonight. I think we had to put a lot into the game and everyone did, and I think credit to Everton who made us dig deep, and it wasn’t the prettiest or the most perfect game football-wise for us.
“But Matheus, the defensive work, you put in the effort, the work rate in the end, he’s got the moment that we know we’ve got in the group to create something. He made the difference for us, but it comes from him defending really well in a deep position to then create that transition.
“He’s a great character, I’ve got to know him. Another big moment for Matheus, he’s had a number of them since the very start, starting at City when he came off the bench and he’s a big impact again today for us and he is in a good place as well.”
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