Manchester United beat Everton 3 – 1 at Goodison Park on a sunny Sunday afternoon. This was a much needed win for the Red Devils who have recently been through tough times. We take a look at five things we learnt.
Also take a look at our Match Analysis.
1. BRUNO FERNANDES IS A LEADER
When it all goes wrong for Manchester United, there are very few players on the pitch who believe. Bruno Fernandes, our Portuguese magnifico is one of them. After conceding a goal early yet again, Bruno helped drive us forward to dictate play. He contributed 2 goals and a win. It was a typical performance from the leader that is Fernandes. He created chances, got on the scoresheet and lead the team to a victory.
2. FRED AND McTOMINAY ARE PROBABLY OUR BEST MIDFIELD DUO FOR BIG GAMES
If Manchester United have to stick with the 4 – 2 – 3 – 1 formation, then away from home and for big games – Fred and McTominay are our best midfield to play behind Fernandes. Yeah, I know Pogba is still at the club. But he is highly inconsistent and for these games we need defensive cover. Pogba is lazy defensively and I’d rather have Van de Beek in front of him in the pecking order because of his performances.
Fred cannot be taken off the starting line-up at the moment. He has been extremely consistent. It’ll be interesting to see if Matic comes in instead of McTominay because he can free Fred up a bit to press higher up the pitch.
3. LUKE SHAW COMES GOOD YET AGAIN FOR MANCHESTER UNITED
Luke Shaw was exceptional at Goodison Park. Firstly, he was extremely good defensively as he kept James Rodriguez in check. Secondly, he has been extremely good going forward this season. He always puts in a shift. Him getting injured is a really bad blow but that’s what Telles is for.
4. MAGUIRE STEPS UP FOR MANCHESTER UNITED
I have given Harry Maguire a lot of stick recently. But I can say that he did redeem himself at least for me. That second half was the best he has played in a long long time. He won everything, dominated Calvert Lewin and played the ball well. It was a captain type performance from him. And because of him, the rest of the defence grew in confidence. Hopefully he can carry on from this performance.
5. AWAY IS THE NEW HOME FOR MANCHESTER UNITED
Manchester United’s away form post the arrival of Bruno Fernandes has been extraordinary. In England we are unbeaten away from home since January. On the other hand our home form is probably relegation form. We are extremely inconsistent at the moment. We need to replicate our form away from home at Old Trafford. Also, we still have a tricky fixture list coming up post the international break. It will be interesting to see how we cope with it.
