An uncharacteristically entertaining performance from Manchester United earned them a 2-1 win at home to Everton – just a fifth victory from 10 Premier League games.
Jose Mourinho dropped the goal-shy Romelu Lukaku for this game and the bulky Belgian’s absence ushered in a joyful and fluid display that bristled with ingenuity and flair.
Anthony Martial was excellent and had a hand in both goals – drawing the foul for the first that led to a penalty, dispatched at the second attempt by Paul Pogba, while he curled in delightfully to make it 2-0 in the second half.
A second penalty was awarded for Chris Smalling’s clumsy foul on Richarlison – Gylfi Sigurdsson scored it to give the Blues some hope, but United were deserving winners.
Here is our report card from the clash.
30-SECOND REPORT
With the knives out once again for Mourinho following a lifeless performance in midweek against an admittedly talented Juventus, this appeared a huge opportunity for an Everton side finally finding their feet under Marco Silva.
And while they started brightly, they were unable to sustain it once United got into an unfamiliar attacking groove. Martial is in a rich vein of form and always posed a threat. Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford, 21 on Wednesday, looks a more mature player this season and was bright starting centrally instead of the out-of-sorts Lukaku – even if he experienced more joy when drifting out to the channels.
Familiar failings – namely a horribly below par and confidence-sapped defence – threatened to expose them once again, but United’s swashbuckling attacking approach earned them a deserved three points.
THE GOOD
United’s attack – Whether it was the injection of freshness and pace shot into United’s arm by the lethargic Lukaku being dropped or Martial’s improved form, the hosts played with a freedom and ferociousness rarely seen these days.
It appeared as if the handbrake of Mourinho’s usual tactics had been well and truly released as red waves of United attacks washed down on the men in blue – especially after the opening goal which prompted the noise levels inside Old Trafford to ratchet up significantly.
Martial – The last few weeks have seen the fantastic yet frustrating Frenchman operating at his very best. Two goals against Chelsea and a hand in two here – the finish for his strike was sublime and a technique not many can pull off.
He ran menacingly at Seamus Coleman – one of the league’s best right-backs – all day and was always an outlet. His pace was too much for Idrissa Gueye, tempted into a risky challenge that led to the penalty. He’s such a special talent, but a few flashes here and there aren’t enough. He needs to produce like this more regularly.
THE BAD
United’s defending – For all their glittering attacking play, the home side’s defending left a lot to be desired. Luke Shaw was again solid while Victor Lindelof – in pure defending terms – kept Everton’s dangermen in check. But their positioning left a lot to be desired and Smalling’s reckless lunge on Richarlison was horrifically mistimed.
The United back line was often too high up the pitch or too withdrawn, while Ashley Young’s calamitous call to try and play Bernard offside really should have earlier resulted in the visitors making it 2-1. After going 2-0 up, United should have tightened up. Instead, they looked in danger of being ripped open.
Toffees unable to stick to United – Everton asked plenty of questions of United, but up until they were handed a lifeline by Smalling’s stupendous error, a path back into the game looked unlikely to be found. Richarlison was unable to pose much of a threat, while Theo Walcott was utterly anonymous.
🤝 @PaulPogba x @AnthonyMartial #MUFC #MUNEVE pic.twitter.com/mH9JSuB5Rg
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) 28 October 2018
TACTICAL TURNING POINT
Legs around Matic – Quite why Fred has been overlooked in recent weeks is puzzling. The Brazilian has looked a little like a fish out of water in his early months in England, struggling to adjust to the pace of the Premier League. But he possesses a tremendous engine and boundless energy, while he also has an eye for a pass.
His inclusion – alongside the struggling Nemanja Matic and undisciplined Paul Pogba – often offered United’s defence an easy out and stymied Sigurdsson’s effectiveness.
VERDICTS
MAN UNITED: B+
Mourinho’s side still look horrendously suspect in defence, especially up against pace, but the Portuguese was rewarded for placing his faith in the hands, or rather feet, of his potent attackers. This must be his modus operandi moving forward.
EVERTON: C-
This felt like a real opportunity missed for Silva’s visitors. Or did they simply come up against a United side finally casting aside their defensive-minded tactical shackles and embracing their traditional attacking instincts? Either way, they got what they deserved.
