Sesko struck for the third time in four matches, continuing a remarkable run of form despite not starting any of Carrick's six games in charge. The Slovenia international has now delivered two winning goals and a late equaliser from the bench, playing a decisive role in maintaining the manager's unbeaten start since his appointment.

Although the 22-year-old, who arrived in the summer for 66 million pounds, has scored six goals in his last seven appearances, he is still waiting for a place in the starting line-up. Carrick, however, insisted there is no issue behind the scenes.

"I get why everyone's talking about it and making a bigger deal of it, but I've got a really good relationship with Ben," Carrick said. "He obviously wants to play, but I can't speak highly enough of how he's been and the work he's putting in.

"We've had some really good conversations and he's in a really good place. Part of us is helping him take steps in his development. Sometimes they're small steps, sometimes bigger ones, and he's taken some huge steps recently."

Carrick also reserved special praise for goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who secured United's first away league clean sheet since last March.

"For me a goalkeeper has to be reliable and trustworthy," Carrick said. "Instead of creating chaos, you want him to calm things down. I think Senne does that."

Everton manager David Moyes admitted his side's plan to crowd Lammens at corners failed.

"The goalie was brilliant," Moyes said. "The save from Michael Keane and the way he dealt with the corners - we thought we'd get one, but we didn't. For me he was the best player on the pitch."

Everton have now won just four of their 14 league matches at their new stadium, and Moyes conceded adaptation remains a work in progress despite signs of improvement.

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