Sesko rescues a point for Carrick's United as Shaw shines and Rashford limps off at Everton

Benjamin Sesko's late header from a Luke Shaw cross earned Manchester United a draw at Everton, a result that landed amid a punishing stretch of four games in 11 days for caretaker manager Michael Carrick — the busiest spell he has faced in the job. The goal was a moment of composure at the end of a match that carried its own subplot: United went into the window's final days without signing a striker to support Sesko, and the decision had visible consequences on the bench. Joshua Zirkzee watched the match from the substitutes' seat, a player who might have been lining up for Everton had United not blocked a loan move because they could not secure a replacement. So Zirkzee stayed, unused, and Sesko carried the line alone. Shaw's cross for the equaliser was no accident. He has been ever-present in United's Premier League starting line-up since the start of last season — an unbroken run that speaks to both his fitness and his importance — and at Goodison Park he was the player who made things happen. Wayne Rooney, working as a pundit, called Shaw "really good," praising his defensive leadership and the threat he posed going forward, particularly in his link-up with Marcus Rashford. Carrick saw the same thing. He said afterwards that Shaw and Rashford were "particularly dangerous down their side," crediting an understanding built from years of playing together. That partnership was cut short in the second half when Rashford was substituted with an unspecified problem. Carrick said he hoped it was not serious, though no further detail was given. The broader transfer-window picture adds context to the afternoon. United also opted against signing Rayan Ait-Nouri from Manchester City, a left-back — a defender who plays on the left side — because they did not want to add a permanent signing in that position who might pile pressure on Shaw. For now, that faith looks well placed. Shaw is delivering, week after week, and his delivery rescued a point when United needed one. The story of Carrick's tenure, even in this compact window, has been one of resilience. He praised his players for sticking together in a 3-2 win over Liverpool, the kind of result that builds belief, and he described an earlier 1-0 win at Everton in February as "a great win" that "did not come easy." Returning to the same ground and leaving with a draw rather than a defeat, thanks to a late goal from a player the club chose not to support with another signing, feels like a fitting chapter in a season where the football keeps writing its own narrative.