Manchester United Edge Past Everton, Kobbie Mainoo Mocks Set-Piece Tactics as “Royal Rumble”
Bornheimer – Manchester United claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Everton in the early hours of Tuesday (February 24, 2026). While the result delivered three crucial points, it also sparked conversation beyond the pitch.
The match, played at Hill Dickinson Stadium, extended United’s positive run under interim manager Michael Carrick. A single goal from Benjamin Sesko proved decisive, sealing the club’s fifth win in six matches since Carrick took temporary charge.
As a result, the Red Devils climbed to fourth place in the Premier League table. Momentum is clearly building inside the dressing room, and confidence appears to be returning at a critical stage of the season.
Benjamin Sesko Makes the Difference
Although the scoreline was slim, United’s efficiency made the difference. Sesko’s goal, scored during a tense encounter, highlighted the team’s growing composure in tight matches.
Everton, meanwhile, struggled to convert possession into clear opportunities. Despite pushing forward in the second half, they failed to break through United’s disciplined defensive structure. Consequently, United managed to protect their narrow lead until the final whistle.
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The victory not only strengthened their Champions League ambitions but also reinforced Carrick’s impact as interim manager. Consistency, something that had been missing earlier in the campaign, now seems to be taking shape.
Senne Lammens Stands Tall Between the Posts
While Sesko grabbed the headlines for scoring, goalkeeper Senne Lammens arguably delivered the standout performance of the night. The 23-year-old Belgian produced a commanding display to secure United’s first away clean sheet since March.
Everton intensified their pressure through set-pieces, especially in the second half. Time and again, Toffees players crowded the six-yard box during corners and free-kicks. Their strategy was clear: disrupt Lammens and create chaos in the penalty area.
However, Lammens remained composed. He confidently claimed crosses, punched away dangerous deliveries, and reacted sharply to close-range headers. His ability to stay focused under heavy physical pressure ultimately earned him the Player of the Match award.
Everton’s Set-Piece Strategy Under Scrutiny
Everton’s approach during dead-ball situations became a talking point after the match. Their players repeatedly surrounded Lammens, attempting to block his movement and limit his visibility.
Although physical duels are common in English football, the intensity of the contact stood out. United’s defensive line had to remain alert, not only to clear the ball but also to shield their goalkeeper from persistent challenges.
Nevertheless, United handled the pressure effectively. Their organization and resilience allowed them to withstand Everton’s aerial bombardment without conceding.
Kobbie Mainoo’s “Royal Rumble” Jibe
Shortly after the final whistle, midfielder Kobbie Mainoo added a lighter touch to the evening’s narrative. The young United star posted images on his Instagram Story showing Everton players crowding the penalty area.
In a follow-up post, Mainoo compared the chaotic scenes to a Royal Rumble match from WWE wrestling. The tongue-in-cheek remark quickly caught fans’ attention, with many interpreting it as playful criticism of Everton’s aggressive set-piece tactics.
Supporters reacted positively to the post. Many praised Mainoo’s humor, while others highlighted Lammens’ bravery in what they described as a physical battle inside the box.
Lammens Reflects on the Physical Battle
After the match, Lammens acknowledged Everton’s tactical shift. Speaking to talkSPORT, he explained that the home side increased their physical presence once they realized he was comfortable dealing with aerial balls.
“At the start, they didn’t really pressure me,” Lammens said. “But once they saw I was coming out confidently, they tried to change their approach.”
He admitted that the intensity occasionally crossed the line. “There was a moment when I could barely stand inside the pitch. I had to step back into the goal just to stay on the field. That might have been a bit too much,” he added.
Despite that, Lammens remained pragmatic. He emphasized that physical challenges during corners are part of modern football. According to him, every team looks for small advantages in such situations.
A Sign of United’s Growing Resilience
Ultimately, the match showcased more than just a narrow victory. It highlighted Manchester United’s growing resilience under Carrick’s guidance. The team demonstrated tactical discipline, mental strength, and defensive unity.
Moreover, Lammens’ performance suggests that United may have found a reliable presence in goal. Meanwhile, Mainoo’s social media reaction reflects a squad that is confident enough to laugh after surviving a bruising encounter.
As the race for Champions League qualification intensifies, victories like this could prove decisive. United may not have dazzled, but they showed grit—and sometimes, that is exactly what a top-four push demands.
