Sesko and Lammens Allow Man Utd to Dream of Champions League

Published: 24 February 2026.

The English Chronicle Desk.

The English Chronicle Online

Manchester United’s hopes of returning to the UEFA Champions League have been significantly boosted by the performances of two key summer signings, Benjamin Sesko and Senne Lammens, as the Red Devils continue their push for a top‑four finish in the Premier League. In a crucial 1‑0 victory away at Everton, substitute Sesko scored the decisive goal while young goalkeeper Lammens delivered a composed and crucial performance at the other end of the pitch, underscoring Manchester United’s strengthened prospects for a return to Europe’s premier club competition.

Sesko, the 22‑year‑old Slovenian forward, has become an increasingly influential figure for Manchester United since the departure of former manager Ruben Amorim. Despite not yet securing a regular starting place, Sesko has found rich form off the bench, scoring six goals in his last seven appearances and eight in the season overall. In the match at Everton, his composed finish after a swift counter‑attack put United ahead in the 71st minute, demonstrating both his physical endurance and his growing confidence in front of goal. His performance gave United a crucial three‑point advantage over rivals such as Chelsea and Liverpool in the battle for Champions League qualification.

Lammens, the 23‑year‑old Belgian goalkeeper, has also emerged as a vital part of United’s resurgence under interim head coach Michael Carrick. At Everton, he produced key saves, including blocking a powerful effort from Everton defender Michael Keane and managing the team’s defensive shape during sustained pressure. Lammens’ calmness and composure in goal have been highlighted as essential to United’s success in maintaining an unbeaten run, particularly as the team has navigated a challenging period of fixtures away from home.

Manager Michael Carrick, who has overseen United’s unbeaten streak since taking charge, praised both players for their contributions. He described Sesko’s finish as “ruthless” and lauded Lammens for his ability to “take the chaos away” and bring composure to the defensive unit — a crucial quality as United attempt to maintain consistency down the stretch. Carrick’s side has gone 10 Premier League matches without defeat, a run that has propelled them into the top four and firmly into the conversation for Champions League qualification next season.

This improved form marks a notable shift from earlier in the campaign, when United’s primary objective was projected to be a return to the Europa League. Internal projections and financial preparations were initially shaped around that goal, but recent performances have reoriented expectations toward a more ambitious target. Analysts and former players have observed that United now appear in a strong position to at least secure a Champions League spot, with several rivals juggling domestic and European commitments — potentially giving United a relative advantage in fixture focus and squad freshness.

The win at Everton also reinforces the tactical approach Carrick has instilled since replacing Amorim. While United has not always produced the most expansive or attacking football, they have shown resilience and efficiency, grinding out results in tightly contested matches and thriving in moments that demand concentration and clinical decision‑making. Sesko’s continued impact from the bench and Lammens’ assured goalkeeping offer promising evidence of a squad developing greater depth and confidence as the season progresses.

Manchester United’s supporters, players and coaching staff will now look ahead to a run of fixtures that could cement their Champions League hopes. With momentum building and crucial contributions coming from players once viewed as squad options, the sense that a return to Europe’s elite competition is within reach has taken hold among the club’s stakeholders.

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