Let’s be completely candid: Manchester United’s 2025/2026 season looked heavily derailed just a few short months ago. Following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim in early January, the club’s Champions League aspirations seemed like a pipe dream.
Fast forward to today, and head coach Michael Carrick has completely steadied the ship. Driven by the explosive form of striker Benjamin Sesko and the unflappable presence of goalkeeper Senne Lammens, United have embarked on a stunning 10-game unbeaten run in the Premier League.
Following a gritty 1-0 victory over Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium, here is a no-nonsense breakdown of how two crucial summer signings have put United firmly in the driver’s seat for a top-four finish.
At a Glance: The Men Saving Man Utd’s Season
| The Player | Transfer Details | The 2026 Impact |
| Benjamin Sesko | £73.7m from RB Leipzig | The ultimate “super-sub.” He has scored 6 goals in his last 7 games, providing lethal pace and clinical finishing late in matches. |
| Senne Lammens | £18.1m from Belgium | The 23-year-old bargain of the season. He has stabilized the defense, earning heavy comparisons to legendary keeper Edwin van der Sar. |
Benjamin Sesko: The £73.7m Super-Sub
When Ruben Amorim signed Benjamin Sesko for nearly £74 million in August 2025, expectations were sky-high. However, the 22-year-old Slovenian struggled to adapt, scoring only twice under the former manager.
Under Carrick, Sesko has been transformed. While fans debate why he isn’t starting every match, his role as an impact substitute is undeniably working. His 71st-minute winner against Everton was a masterclass in physical endurance and composure—sprinting 70 yards at top speed on a counter-attack to coolly slot home Bryan Mbeumo’s pass.
As Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher noted: “You expect him to be breathing heavily and panting after that. But no, he still has the energy to really celebrate.”
Senne Lammens: The Bargain of the Season
If Sesko broke Everton’s hearts at one end of the pitch, Senne Lammens shattered their hopes at the other.
Last summer, United’s recruitment department made a massive—and highly criticized—decision to block Amorim’s request for Aston Villa’s Emi Martinez. Instead, they placed their faith (and £18.1m) in a relatively unknown 23-year-old Belgian with only one full season of senior football.
That gamble has paid off brilliantly. Against Everton, Lammens neutralized a heavy barrage of set-pieces and made a blockbuster save against Michael Keane. Carrick praised his young goalkeeper’s ability to “take the chaos away,” drawing natural, albeit cautious, comparisons to Manchester United icon Edwin van der Sar.
The Road to the Top 4
The financial and reputational difference between the Europa League and the UEFA Champions League is massive. Currently, United sit entirely alone in fourth place—three points behind Aston Villa, and three points ahead of chasing rivals Chelsea and Liverpool.
Crucially, United possess one massive structural advantage: they have no European distractions. While Villa, Chelsea, and Liverpool are forced to juggle midweek continental fixtures and heavy squad rotation, Carrick’s squad can focus entirely on domestic results. As Jamie Carragher boldly stated following the Everton victory, Manchester United are now “virtually guarantees” for a top-four finish.
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