Manchester United dropped points for the second time in the Premier League season after a 2-2 draw against Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The Red Devils broke the deadlock shortly after the interval through Bryan Mbeumo but were pegged back in the 83rd minute by a sensational Tyrique George equaliser.
Benjamin Sesko scored against the Toffees for the second straight game with an 88th-minute header, but that did not prove sufficient for the victory.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles announced himself to the Toffees’ faithful with a phenomenal long-range strike in the 95th minute after goalkeeper Senne Lammens was rooted to his spot.
With the result, United are 11th in the league standings, already five points behind leaders Manchester City, who they host at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Prior to that game, the Red Devils make their Champions League comeback against newcomers Sabah on Thursday, where they should be firm favourites.
We expect manager Michael Carrick to make a few changes to the XI, and in our opinion, the 45-year-old must unleash Benjamin Sesko as the main striker.
Carrick confirmed that Rashford was substituted due to an injury concern yesterday. With the short turnaround to Thursday, he may not be risked unless he is fully fit.
This could pave the way for a change in the final third. We firmly believe that Matheus Cunha should feature in the left wing position for the Red Devils if Rashford is sidelined.
Cunha and Mbeumo have started as the false strikers for United so far this campaign, but it appears to be the ideal time for Sesko to return to the starting XI as the number nine.
The Slovenian has had three substitute appearances thus far. He made a big mark yesterday with a fine headed goal, but it did not prove to be the winner after Maitland-Niles’ sublime equaliser.
Still, there were plenty of positives from Sesko’s performance. The 23-year-old, who was signed for an initial £66 million from RB Leipzig, showed the importance of a specialist striker yesterday.
Sesko did not win a single aerial duel (0/3) but showed his striker instincts. He got into the space between the central defenders and capitalised on a perfect cross from Shaw to head the ball into the net.
The striker did not have a pre-season due to a shin injury but looks to be getting back to full speed. He should at least get an hour of playing time against Sabah to prepare himself for Sunday’s Manchester derby.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
