Manchester United visited Everton on Sunday looking for a third consecutive Premier League win against a team reeling from a record ten-point deduction this week.
The Red Devils started the game with the onus on them to pry open Everton’s backdoor, and they did so early into the game – and what a spectacular way to do it!
A Victor Lindelof diagonal reached Marcus Rashford, who released Diogo Dalot down the right flank.
The Portuguese international delivered a pinpoint cross that Alejandro Garnacho finished acrobatically a la Wayne Rooney.
The audacity, poise and fantastic precision to deliver such a piece of magic were simply incredible.
The Argentine youngster scored a spectacular goal-of-the-season contender that had everyone connected to United off their feet.
Everton tried to find a response. Dominic Calvert-Lewin made United keeper Andre Onana get down for a simple catch before he glanced a fast header into his arms again moments later.
The Toffees kept coming forward, and Abdoulaye Doucoure had a glorious chance that he placed just wide of the post.
Youngster Kobbie Mainoo had to clear another Everton chance that was destined for the goal off the line.
The Toffees have been one of the unluckiest teams in the league this season, and their spell in front of goal continued as Calvert-Lewin headed a terrific Ashley Young cross over the bar.
United had the lead at the half-time break, but Everton had been the better side and created most of the chances.
Anthony Martial won a penalty to continue Everton’s misery early in the second half.
The Frenchman was initially booked for diving, but the VAR officials asked the referee to go to the monitor before he changed his mind and pointed to the spot.
Rashford stepped up and thrashed his effort into the back of the net to double United’s lead.
United put the game to bed in the 75th minute, as Martial collected a pass from Bruno Fernandes before dinking over Jordan Pickford to make it 3-0.
Vitaliy Mykolenko hit the bar as he came close for Everton, but the home team were unable to get on the scoresheet.
Everton vs Man United Player Ratings
Everton
Jordan Pickford (6/10) – Pickford barely had anything to do and could do nothing about the goals he conceded today. His passing out from the back was also very measured and controlled.
Ashley Young (4/10) – It was a torrid day at the office for the Premier League’s second-oldest player as he received an early yellow card before giving away a penalty to condemn his side to the loss today.
James Tarkowski (7/10) – The Everton captain defended valiantly, muting Martial for most of the game. He was solid in the air and cleared everything that came into his box.
Jarrad Branthwaite (7/10) – Branthwaite was just as good as his defensive partner and played some lovely passes to start attacks from the back.
Vitaliy Mykolenko (7/10) – The Ukrainian left-back stuck to Rashford like glue on the right flank. He made it a difficult game for the England international.
Idrissa Gueye (7.5/10) – Gueye worked incredibly hard for his side and tried to drive his team forward, but it was not to be, as United’s quality helped them to the win.
James Garner (5.5/10) – Garner would have loved to deliver a blow to his former side but could not impact the game. Ran a lot for the team, but it did not yield much.
Abdoulaye Doucoure (7.5/10) – Doucoure ran himself into the ground for Everton but could not find the finishing boots he needed today. He was constantly breaking into United’s box to get shots off.
Jack Harrison (6/10) – The on-loan Leeds United man had struggled to get into the game for the first half but responded brilliantly and became the focal creative point of his team in the second half. He delivered some nice balls that his team could have used better.
Dwight McNeil (6/10) – Dyche’s trusted soldier was influential in the first half, but his influence waned in the second 45 and had to go off as he looked spent.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin (5.5/10) – Calvert-Lewin had a handful of chances today and should have converted at least one but failed to do so. He did offer decent hold-up play to bring his side into the game.
Substitutes
Nathan Patterson (6/10)
Arnaut Danjuma (N/A)
Lewis Dobbin (N/A)
Youssef Chrmiti (6/10)
Manchester United
Andre Onana (8/10) – The former Ajax shot-stopper made two stunning saves to keep his side in the game and another one late on to preserve his clean sheet. He has been gradually hitting top form over the last few weeks and looking like the excellent keeper United signed from Inter Milan.
Diogo Dalot (7/10) – He delivered a terrific cross for Garnacho’s opener. He struggled against McNeil but recovered in the second half to keep him quiet.
Harry Maguire (7.5/10) – It was another solid day at the office for the England international as he defended the space around him excellently and cut out the danger. He led the defensive line well.
Victor Lindelof (6/10) – Calvert-Lewin got the better of him a few times as he struggled to deal with the Englishman’s power. He did make some nice diagonal passes that started attacks for his side.
Luke Shaw (7/10) – He returned from injury and gave United dynamism down the left flank with his thrusting runs. Helped keep Jack Harrison mute.
Kobbie Mainoo (8/10) – MOTM – The United Academy star came into his first PL start and played with maturity beyond his years. He made a goal-line clearance to protect his side’s lead and controlled the game with his passing and poise.
Scott McTominay (5/10) – When he is not scoring, it is hard to see what he is helping United achieve in the centre. He was overwhelmed in the middle and outshone by Mainoo.
Bruno Fernandes (7/10) – Fernandes was constantly trying to send his side forward and got rewarded with a nice assist for Martial’s goal.
Marcus Rashford (6.5/10) – Rashford barely got into this game as Mykolenko shut him down effectively. He scored and made some dangerous runs but could have had a better showing.
Anthony Martial (7/10) – The Frenchman was ineffective up top for a long stretch as Everton’s defence marshalled his movement, but he did well to win a penalty and later ensured the win for his team today.
Alejandro Garnacho (7/10) – Despite banging in a terrific goal, his decision-making in the final third let him down on several occasions. It will not matter, as he netted one of the all-time great PL goals.
Substitutes
Facundo Pellistri (6.5/10)
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (N/A)
Hannibal Mejbri (N/A)
Sofyan Amrabat (5/10)
