Manchester United vs Everton Summary
Manchester United’s Champions League aspirations were dented as they were beaten 1-0 by relegation-threatened Everton at Goodison Park. The Reds were unable to play themselves back into the game with Anthony Gordon’s deflected strike being enough to secure the home win.
The Red Devils began the game much better than the visitors and there was a sense of nervousness looming around Goodison Park. Marcus Rashford and Alex Telles combined effectively on the left flank and were causing the hosts all kinds of problems early on. Rashford tested Jordan Pickford twice early on, however the keeper made two fine saves to deny the forward. Despite United’s early dominance, it was Frank Lampard’s side who took the lead against the run of play. The Toffees took the lead with their first real sight of goal. Gordon’s effort took a deflection off Harry Maguire and found the bottom left corner. The goal came from United being too casual in possession. Allan dispossessed Nemanja Matic and sent it through to Richarlison. The Brazilian cut it back to the edge of the area where Gordon reacted quickest and fired home.
The goal roused both the Everton fans and players with Rangnick’s side unable to cope with the dramatic momentum swing. David de Gea was called in to action to prevent Everton from extending their lead, tipping Richarlison’s looping effort over the bar. The Everton forward was a constant threat throughout the game, causing United’s backline issues with his aggressiveness and pace. During the second half, Rangnick’s men were unable to get going and didn’t create any clear-cut chances. Aaron Wan Bissaka’s effort was blocked and Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Pogba saw their efforts saved in the dying stages. Manager Ralph Rangnick will be furious with his team, as the Reds could have moved into the top four with West Ham and Arsenal both losing.
Manchester United vs Everton Player Ratings
David de Gea 6/10
Could do nothing about Gordon’s effort, as it took a deflection off Maguire. Made a smart save to deny Richarlison and dealt with everything else thrown his way.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka 4/10
Began the game well but gradually got worse as the game went on. Richarlison was a constant threat and the fullback was unable to come out on top in this duel. Nowhere near good enough when the Reds are in possession.
Victor Lindelof 6/10
Kept his composure at all times unlike the rest of the United backline. Had a very steady performance, despite Everton targeting him for his lack of physicality.
Harry Maguire 5/10
Was very unlucky with Gordon’s shot, which deflected in off him, however his passing was awful in the first half. Grew into the game, but needs to be more proactive in possession. Improvement needed if he wants to be a regular under Ten Hag.
Alex Telles 5/10
An underwhelming performance from the Brazilian fullback. Showed some promise with some decent crosses in the early parts of the game. However his delivery got worse as the game went on. A surprisingly poor performance considering he has the chance to impress and become the starting left-back amid Luke Shaw’s poor form.
Nemanja Matic 4/10
Didn’t have any kind of impact on the game. Won the majority of his duels, but lost possession in the build up to the goal. Needs replacing in the summer.
Fred 4/10
Was extremely poor considering his recent performances. Very sloppy in possession and Everton exploited the spaces in behind him. Came off after 30 minutes with a muscle injury.
Jadon Sancho 4/10
Began the game on the right, but was poor on this flank. Constantly went into central positions and because of this the Reds didn’t have any width. Was better off the left like every United winger at this moment in time. Should have been taken off after yet another poor performance.
Bruno Fernandes 6/10
Was the only creator in the team and made two good chances out of nothing in the first half. Dropped deeper in the second half but this had no impact at all. The Portuguese playmaker needs those around him to step up and alleviate some of this pressure off his shoulders.
Marcus Rashford 6/10
Began the game with intent and urgency. Saw his two early efforts saved by Pickford. Should of done better with his chance in the second half. Was much better playing off the left and was harshly taken off, when he was having the best game out of all the forward line.
Cristiano Ronaldo 5/10
Was lively in the opening exchanges and was involved in the build up of United’s two clear chances in the game. Quieter and more isolated in the second half. Didn’t connect cleanly with his late chance, which he should of done better with. Let his frustrations get the better of him.
Subs
Paul Pogba 5/10
Didn’t have a great game but did improve United’s passing by looking forward more often. Booked and saw his long-range effort easily saved.
Juan Mata 6/10
A substitution, which screamed of desperation. Tried his best to add some creativity and unlock the Everton defence, but this was unsuccessful.
Anthony Elanga 4/10
A disappointing cameo. Didn’t bring any of his typical energy and directness. Has lacked confidence in recent weeks.
Manager: Ralph Rangnick 5/10
The starting eleven was probably the best it could have been with the current injuries the Reds have. Switching Sancho and Rashford halftime was ineffective and this in fact made United play worse in the second half. The substitutions didn’t work and seemed desperate.Many were left surprised by his decision to bring on Mata and Elanga on over Jesse Lingard. Rangnick is not responsible for this defeat-the players have simply stopped playing with any belief or desire.
