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Ratings: Cavani, Fernandes and McTominay score in 3-3 Everton draw; defence needs to improve, De Gea’s mistakes will be costly

6 February 2021 by

Manchester United drew 3-3 with Everton at Old Trafford in the Premier League. It was a game of two halves for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side. Edinson Cavani put United ahead in the 24th minute of the match with Bruno Fernandes doubling the lead with a sublime goal in the 45th minute. Everton got back into the game four minutes into the second half with Abdoulaye Doucoure getting a goal but three minutes later James Rodriguez had levelled United’s early lead. Scott McTominay scored what seemed to be a winner for United in the 70th minute of the match but in the last minute of added time, Dominic Calvert-Lewin levelled the score for Everton with David De Gea making two costly errors; Doucoure’s goal and Calvert-Lewin’s goal.

United started on the front foot against the Toffees. There was some early chances for United but they gained nothing from them. It was in the 24th minute of the match when United took the lead. Edinson Cavani was the goalscorer with the ball coming off his head once again – a favourite trait of his against Everton this season. Marcus Rashford delivered the ball towards the middle which took former United academy player Michael Keane out of his position. Cavani was waiting behind the defender and he headed his effort into the back of the net – he was never going to miss from there. It was another cracking goal for the Uruguayan who has become the number one striker at the club this season.

United were at that stage of the game the better team with Everton seemingly out of the fixture at 1-0 down. In the 45th minute of the match, United looked to be heading into the break with a two-goal cushion. Bruno Fernandes found space 25-yards from goal and instead of playing in Aaron Wan-Bissaka, he decided to send a curling effort towards the top corner of the goal, hitting his target and scoring his 18th goal of the season. Robin Olsen was at full stretch to try to deny the Portuguese midfielder from scoring but he could only watch the ball fly past him and into the top corner. It was a good goal for the player and a good scoreline for United at the time. Perhaps Everton would show up in the second half of the match?

At the end of the first half, Dominic Calvert-Lewin had a bog chance in added time with Everton sending the ball over the top with Wan-Bissaka switched off from the attack, playing the forward onside. He got one-on-one with David De Gea but saw his effort reach the wrong side of the post. That was a big miss for the Toffees. There were no changes at the start of the second half. United saw another effort on goal saved by Olsen. Fernandes was wiped out by Tom Davies but he managed to find Cavani in some space. He then reversed the ball to Luke Shaw who was 18-yards out from the goal. He hit his strike, which was a good one and forced a fully stretched Olsen to palm his effort away from danger. That could have been a good goal for United.

Everton got themselves back into the match four minutes into the second half. Davies got the ball in behind Harry Maguire which was picked up by Calvert-Lewin. He got to the by-line and scooped the ball into the middle which was poorly palmed away by the Spanish number one. Abdoulaye Doucoure then pounced on the ball, beating De Gea in close-range with the goalkeeper once again looking at a mistake which could become costly for United. Everton then got another, levelling the scoreline just three minutes later. Lucas Digne sent the ball into the box, which was kept alive by Doucoure. He then fizzed the ball back to James Rodriguez, who had a poor first half, firing a fine volley into the back of the net. What a poor defensive showing by United.

United would have to weather the storm that Everton would bring to them after levelling the score, which could be a difficult period of time for them. There were a few opportunities by both teams after the score was levelled but nothing to really change the game. United got themselves ahead in the 70th minute of the match through Scott McTominay. The Scotland international won the first ball despite having five defenders around him, flicking his header. The ball looped towards the bottom corner and Olsen lost his footing. He got two hands on the ball but it found the bottom corner, putting United in the lead once more. United will not be too upset about the goalkeeping as it put them back in front, despite being in a winning position at the break.

It seemed like it was going to be a narrow win for United, going into added time, which is dangerous territory. All was going well. Solskjaer decided to bring Axel Tuanzebe on for Mason Greenwood in the third minute of added time, to use some of the time up. He was booked in the fifth minute of added time which also saw Everton level for the second time in the match. Calvert-Lewin took the opportunity to share the points in the match, which feels more like a defeat than a draw. De Gea was poor for the goal, not really cutting it out of making much of an attempt to make the save, seemingly leaving fate to decide whether it was scored or not. This was his second error in the match and a costly one for United. Ir was not good enough from him at this stage of his career.

Manchester United

1 David De Gea

Played well in the first half with Everton not doing much to talk about. However, at the start of the second half, an error by him saw Doucoure get a goal back for the Toffees. Conceded a second minutes later, which he will not be happy about. A third goal was conceded in the last minute of added time with De Gea not making much of an effort to deny Calvert-Lewin.

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29 Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Got another assist for Fernandes' goal fo the game. He did well at times in the match, especially on Everton's left.

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2 Victor Lindelof

Got the better of Richarlison at times. He seemed to be impenetrable at times in the match but it was his error that Everton pounced on, scoring from that.

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5 Harry Maguire

Will be disappointed with a draw that feels like a defeat. He desperately needs a player with pace and ball control as his partner. Bailly might have been different if he was fit but there is little point in thinking that way. It was not a defeat. It was a costly result but we must keep moving forward here. He did get the better of Calvert-Lewin up to that final goal.

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23 Luke Shaw

Got an assist for McTominay's goal which seemed, at the time, to be the winner. He played well again and seems to be retaining his form. He will be disappointed but West Ham should now be in their sights.

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39 Scott McTominay

Scored what should have been the winner. He played a good game and gives his all at every chance he gets to represent this club. He will be unhappy with the draw though.

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6 Paul Pogba

Played well against Everton and did what he needed to do. United took the lead through Cavani in the 24th minute of the match. However, within 15 minutes of that, Pogba had suffered an injury and he went straight down the tunnel for treatment. He was replaced by Fred in the 39th minute of the match.

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11 Mason Greenwood

Had a good game against Everton. Not involved in any goals but in terms of getting himself noticed, he did what he needed to do. It was a tough game, especially after the start for Everton in the second half. He was replaced by Tuanzebe in the third minute of added time. Got the better of Digne through his participation in the match.

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18 Bruno Fernandes

The Portuguese magnifico pounced on a great ball at the end of the first half and did what he did best with it - finding the back of the net to put United 2-0 up going into the break. In the second half he came close to scoring again, sending the ball over the crossbar instead. It was a shame that he did not score the goal that was over the crossbar. United really needed a cushion of goals in the second half.

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10 Marcus Rashford

Provided the cross which assisted Cavani's opening goal. He switched from the right to the left to do that. He failed to find the back of the net with the score at 2-2. He needs to find some form and sort out his judgement, which needs improvement.

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7 Edinson Cavani

Provided the first goal of the game, getting the better of Keane to nod United into the lead. He positioning, ability and desire are second to none at this moment. What a great signing he was.

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Substitutes

17 Fred

Replaced Pogba 39'. Went wide with a shot, which was a shame. Rodriguez's goal was partly down to Fred not seeing him in space, which could have been averted.

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38 Axel Tuanzebe

Replaced Greenwood 90+3'. Came on three minutes into added time. Was booked the same minute that Everton levelled the score for the second time.

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Goals: Edinson Cavani 24′, Bruno Fernandes 45′, Scott McTominay 70′; Abdoulaye Doucoure 49’, James Rodriguez 52’

Assists: Marcus Rashford 24′, Aaron Wan-Bissaka 45′, Luke Shaw 70′; Abdoulaye Doucoure 52’

Manchester United: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw; McTominay, Pogba (Fred 39′); Greenwood (Tuanzebe 90+3′), Fernandes, Rashford; Cavani

Substitutes Not Used: Henderson; Telles, Williams; James, Matic, Van de Beek; Martial

Bookings: Luke Shaw 73′, Axel Tuanzebe 90+5′; Michael Keane 80′

Written by John Walker

Filed Under: Feature, First Team, Managers, Match Reports, Opinion, Player Ratings Tagged With: , , , , ,

Confirmed XI: Cavani, Fernandes and Pogba start against Everton. Time to chew the Toffees?

6 February 2021 by

Manchester United will entertain Everton in the Premier League at Old Trafford this evening. The match previously scheduled to be played on Monday 8th February 2021 but United’s participation in the Emirates FA Cup meant that the match was brought forward. United will be going into this game in full confidence after their 9-0 humiliation of Southampton on Tuesday evening which saw Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Marcus Rashford, Jan Bednarek (own goal), Edinson Cavani, an Anthony Martial brace, Scott McTominay, Bruno Fernandes (penalty) and Daniel James all get on the scoresheet.

Everton beat Leeds United in the Premier League on Wednesday evening with Gylfi Sigurdsson and Dominic Calvert-Lewin on the scoresheet. United have met Everton a total of 205 times in all competitions, winning 90 times, drawing 45 and losing 70 times. United were last beaten by Everton on the 21 April 2019, a 4-0 defeat at Goodison Park in the Premier League. In the four matches played since, there have been two 1-1 draws at both Goodison Park and Old Trafford but in the last two meetings, United have won; 3-1 in the Premier League at Goodison Park and 2-0 at Old Trafford in the Carabao Cup

Manchester United:

De Gea;

Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw;

McTominay, Pogba;

Greenwood, Fernandes, Rashford;

Cavani

Substitutes:

Henderson; Telles, Williams, Tuanzebe; Fred, James, Matic, Van de Beek; Martial

Everton:

Olsen;

Holgate, Keane, Godfrey, Digne;

Doucoure, Davies;

Rodriguez, Gomes, Richarlison;

Calvert-Lewin

Substitutes:

Virginia; Mina, Nkounkou, Coleman; Delph, Sigurdsson; King, Iwobi, Bernard

United and Everton have met 57 times in the history of the Premier League. United have won 37 times, drawing 11 times and losing nine times. United have scored a total of 105 goals, conceding 54 with United winning five penalties and scoring four with Everton winning four and scoring three. United have kept 24 clean sheets with Everton keeping nine. United have received 74 yellow cards and two red cards. Everton have received 107 yellow cards and three red cards. United had a cracking result against Southampton, with nine goals being scored, which will be a massive confidence boost for the Red Devils.

In the Premier League fixture at Old Trafford last season, it was a 1-1 draw with Victor Lindelof scoring an own goal in the first half and Mason Greenwood levelling the score in the 77th minute. At Goodison Park last season, it was a 1-1 draw with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring in the third minute and Bruno Fernandes equalising in the 31st minute. United have played Everton at Goodison Park twice this season, winning both. In the Premier League it was a 3-1 victory to United with Bernard opening the scoring in the 19 minute with Bruno Fernandes scoring a brace and Edinson Cavani getting the other. In the Carabao Cup, United won 2-0 with Cavani and Anthony Martial scoring the goals.

Written by John Walker

Filed Under: Feature, First Team, Managers, News, Opinion, Starting XI Tagged With: , , , , ,

Predicted XI: [4-3-1-2] Martial and Rashford lead the line, Fernandes in support? Diallo off the bench to show his stuff against Everton?

4 February 2021 by

Manchester United will entertain Everton in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Saturday evening. The match previously scheduled to be played on Monday 8th February 2021 but United’s participation in the Emirates FA Cup meant that the match was brought forward. United will be going into this game in full confidence after their 9-0 humiliation of Southampton on Tuesday evening which saw Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Marcus Rashford, Jan Bednarek (own goal), Edinson Cavani, an Anthony Martial brace, Scott McTominay, Bruno Fernandes (penalty) and Daniel James all get on the scoresheet.

Everton beat Leeds United in the Premier League on Wednesday evening with Gylfi Sigurdsson and Dominic Calvert-Lewin on the scoresheet. United have met Everton a total of 205 times in all competitions, winning 90 times, drawing 45 and losing 70 times. United were last beaten by Everton on the 21 April 2019, a 4-0 defeat at Goodison Park in the Premier League. In the four matches played since, there have been two 1-1 draws at both Goodison Park and Old Trafford but in the last two meetings, United have won; 3-1 in the Premier League at Goodison Park and 2-0 at Old Trafford in the Carabao Cup.

How United have faired against Everton in the Premier League.

United and Everton have met 57 times in the history of the Premier League. United have won 37 times, drawing 11 times and losing nine times. United have scored a total of 105 goals, conceding 54 with United winning five penalties and scoring four with Everton winning four and scoring three. United have kept 24 clean sheets with Everton keeping nine. United have received 74 yellow cards and two red cards. Everton have received 107 yellow cards and three red cards. United had a cracking result against Southampton, with nine goals being scored, which will be a massive confidence boost for the Red Devils.

In the Premier League fixture at Old Trafford last season, it was a 1-1 draw with Victor Lindelof scoring an own goal in the first half and Mason Greenwood levelling the score in the 77th minute. At Goodison Park last season, it was a 1-1 draw with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring in the third minute and Bruno Fernandes equalising in the 31st minute. United have played Everton at Goodison Park twice this season, winning both. In the Premier League it was a 3-1 victory to United with Bernard opening the scoring in the 19 minute with Bruno Fernandes scoring a brace and Edinson Cavani getting the other. In the Carabao Cup, United won 2-0 with Cavani and Anthony Martial scoring the goals.

Here is my predicted starting XI to face Everton in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Saturday evening…

Goalkeeper: David De Gea

David De Gea has kept nine clean sheets in all competitions this season, seven of which were in the Premier League. In the last two matches, De Gea kept clean sheets, the 0-0 draw with Arsenal and the 9-0 victory over Southampton. Dean Henderson is a good goalkeeper to have at the club and in the future he seems to be destined to become the number one at the club, but for the time being, playing in cup matches might be his experience, unless Solskjaer needs to rotate his goalkeepers. De Gea is getting back to his best. There have been a few stutters here and there but the improvement is there to be seen.

Defenders: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw

United’s defence have kept two clean sheets on the bounce, which is a good sign. In the Premier League, they have conceded 27 goals this season but United have outscored their conceded goals, scoring a total of 46 inn the league, which leave a positive of 19 in goal difference. This is a sign of improvement. Clean sheets are good but they don’t always happen, so to outscore the opposition is the way to win, Sir Alex Ferguson style. Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw will keep their places at fullback with Harry Maguire keeping his place. With Eric Bailly again being a doubt, Victor Lindelof will keep his place in the team.

Midfield Three: Donny van de Beek, Fred, Paul Pogba

I predicted this midfield for the Southampton match but Paul Pogba was rested, which is a god break for him after a period of good form. I would like to see the trio of Pogba, Fred and Donny van de Beek across the midfield with Bruno Fernandes playing in the advanced role behind the forward(s). Van de Beek has played so few matches this season that it is due to flurry of matches to get himself into contention. He’s got one goal to his name this season, which is a good start. Fred has been immense at times and the Pogba we have right now is the one we have always wanted in the famous red shirt of Manchester United.

Attacking Midfield: Bruno Fernandes

Bruno Fernandes is an important player for United this season. Some suggest that United are a one-man team with him goals and assists this season but Marcus Rashford is one goal behind him, so that is hardly being reliant on one player. If you look at Liverpool, Mohamed Salah has 21 goals with Sadio Mane on 10, so reliance is down to the eye of the beholder, obviously. Fernandes has been good all season, apart from a few matches here and there. He will have been ecstatic with the 9-0 victory over Southampton, scoring a penalty and assisting twice. It puts him in good form again just as a tough match comes around.

Forwards: Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial

Anthony Martial scored a brace against Southampton and looked to have regained some confidence, which is a good sign. Marcus Rashford was on the scoresheet too after a few matches without a goal. Rashford has 16 goals this season with Martial on seven, which is not the greatest of numbers but many goals have been coning from other areas, which is even better. Between Rashford and Martial, 23 goals have been scored with a further 16 assists. Edinson Cavani came off at half time against the Saints with an ankle injury, his six goals and two assists are important. If he’s fit, I think he will start once again, leaving Martial on the bench.

Substitutes: Dean Henderson; Alex Telles, Axel Tuanzebe; Juan Mata, Amad Diallo, Daniel James, Scott McTominay; Edinson Cavani, Mason Greenwood

United cane name nine substitutes on the bench, using three of them. It seems likely that Dean Henderson will remain on the bench with David De Gea in good form. In defence, Victor Lindelof and Alex Telles could be utilised, should they be required. In midfield, Juan Mata, Amad Diallo, Daniel James and Scott McTominay could provide some cover and/or inspiration if it is required. The young Ivorian made a great start playing for the U23’s last weekend with a goal and a penalty and it will be great to see him in action. In attack, Edinson Cavani and Mason Greenwood will be available to bolster the attacking options, should they be needed.

Written by John Walker

Filed Under: Feature, First Team, Managers, Opinion, Starting XI Tagged With: , , , , ,

Preview: Manchester United full in confidence to maul the Toffees; Diallo to have some involvement on the bench?

4 February 2021 by

Manchester United -v- Everton

Premier League

Old Trafford, Manchester

Saturday 6 February 2021, KO 20:00 GMT

Referee: Jonathan Moss Assistants: Marc Perry, Dan Robathan

Fourth Official: Andy Madley

VAR: Andre Marriner Assistant VAR: Andy Halliday

Manchester United will entertain Everton in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Saturday evening. The match previously scheduled to be played on Monday 8th February 2021 but United’s participation in the Emirates FA Cup meant that the match was brought forward. United will be going into this game in full confidence after their 9-0 humiliation of Southampton on Tuesday evening which saw Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Marcus Rashford, Jan Bednarek (own goal), Edinson Cavani, an Anthony Martial brace, Scott McTominay, Bruno Fernandes (penalty) and Daniel James all get on the scoresheet.

Everton beat Leeds United in the Premier League on Wednesday evening with Gylfi Sigurdsson and Dominic Calvert-Lewin on the scoresheet. United have met Everton a total of 205 times in all competitions, winning 90 times, drawing 45 and losing 70 times. United were last beaten by Everton on the 21 April 2019, a 4-0 defeat at Goodison Park in the Premier League. In the four matches played since, there have been two 1-1 draws at both Goodison Park and Old Trafford but in the last two meetings, United have won; 3-1 in the Premier League at Goodison Park and 2-0 at Old Trafford in the Carabao Cup.

Manchester United: WDLWWD

Southampton 9-0 W, Arsenal 0-0 D, Sheffield United 1-2 L, Liverpool 3-2 W, Fulham 2-1 W, Liverpool 0-0 D

Everton: WLDWWW

Leeds United 2-1 W, Newcastle United 2-0 L, Leicester City 1-1 D, Sheffield Wednesday 3-0 W, Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 W, Rotherham United 2-1 W

Top Scorers: Bruno Fernandes (17) and Marcus Rashford (16) lead the goalscoring table for United whilst Dominic Calvert-Lewin (16) tops the table for Everton.

Manchester United Goals: 17 – Bruno Fernandes, 16 – Marcus Rashford, 7 – Anthony Martial, 6 – Edinson Cavani, 5 – Scott McTominay, 4 – Mason Greenwood, Paul Pogba, 3 – Daniel James, 2 – Harry Maguire, Juan Mata, Own Goal, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, 1 – Victor Lindelof, Donny van de Beek

In the last six matches, United have won three, drawn twice and lost once. Including the nine goals scored against Southampton on Tuesday evening, United have scored 15 goals, conceding five and keeping three clean sheets. It was some turn of a corner against the Saints with United scoring one goal in the previous two matches; a 2-1 defeat to Sheffield United and a 0-0 draw with Arsenal. United will be in full confidence ahead of the clash with Everton, especially as United need to try and close the gap with Manchester City, who are the current Premier League leaders.

Everton Goals: 16 – Dominic Calvert-Lewin, 6 – Richarlison, 4 – Michael Keane, James Rodríguez, Gylfi Sigurdsson, 3 – Yerry Mina, 2 – Bernard, Abdoulaye Doucouré, Alex Iwobi, Moise Kean, 1 – Mason Holgate, Cenk Tosun

In their past six matches, Everton have won four, drawn once and lost once. The Toffees have scored ten goals, conceding six goals and keeping one clean sheet. It is not great form considering the teams that the club has played in those matches; Leeds United, Newcastle United, Leicester City, Sheffield Wednesday, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Rotherham United. The victory over Leeds will be a confidence booster after a 2-0 defeat to the Magpies in the match prior, which was kind of similar for United, who lost to the Blades and draw to the Gunners in their last two matches. This could be another good game to watch.

Team News: Two players on the sidelines for both United and Everton. The Red Devils and the Toffees will be sweating on the fitness of one other player.

Phil Jones (knee) is ruled out and Eric Bailly (other) is a doubt for the clash against Everton on Saturday evening. Edinson Cavani (ankle) came off at half time in the 9-0 victory over Southampton but should be fine to play against the Toffees. There is a possibility that Amad Diallo could be involved in some way in this match, which would be good for both the player and the club. United allowed both Jesse Lingard, who scored a brace on his West Ham United debut and Facundo Pellistri leave on loan and Marcos Rojo left the club permanently during the January transfer window.

Jean-Philippe Gbamin (calf/shin/heel) has been ruled out of the visit to Old Trafford to face United on Saturday evening. Jordan Pickford (rib) missed the victory over Leeds United on Wednesday evening and at the moment there is a 50% chance that he could feature against United at the Theatre of Dreams. Allan Marques Loureiro (thigh) has a 25% chance of being available for this match, which seems unlikely. Everton will be seeking to climb up the Premier League table with two games in hand over four of the five clubs above them at this point this season. League leaders Manchester City also have one game in hand over the teams they top.

Predicted Starting XI: Martial and Rashford to lead the line against Everton, supported by Fernandes? Pogba, Fred and Van de Beek in midfield? Diallo to be involved on the bench?

Edinson Cavani has a 50% chance of featuring this weekend because of an ankle injury. That might change after Solskjaer addresses the media on Friday. With hat in mind, I expect Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford to start, possible leading the line as a duo with Bruno Fernandes in behind them. A three-man midfield of Paul Pogba, Fred and Donny van de Beek could be a positive and attacking team with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw completing the back four just ahead of David De Gea. I would like to see Amad Diallo on the bench for United, which could add something late in the game.

Match Prediction: 57 matches played between United and Everton. United have won 37 times, drawn 11 times and lost nine times. 105 goals have been scored by United with 54 being conceded between the two teams. United will be in the driving seat based on current confidence.

United and Everton have met 57 times in the history of the Premier League. United have won 37 times, drawing 11 times and losing nine times. United have scored a total of 105 goals, conceding 54 with United winning five penalties and scoring four with Everton winning four and scoring three. United have kept 24 clean sheets with Everton keeping nine. United have received 74 yellow cards and two red cards. Everton have received 107 yellow cards and three red cards. United had a cracking result against Southampton, with nine goals being scored, which will be a massive confidence boost for the Red Devils.

In the Premier League fixture at Old Trafford last season, it was a 1-1 draw with Victor Lindelof scoring an own goal in the first half and Mason Greenwood levelling the score in the 77th minute. At Goodison Park last season, it was a 1-1 draw with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring in the third minute and Bruno Fernandes equalising in the 31st minute. United have played Everton at Goodison Park twice this season, winning both. In the Premier League it was a 3-1 victory to United with Bernard opening the scoring in the 19 minute with Bruno Fernandes scoring a brace and Edinson Cavani getting the other. In the Carabao Cup, United won 2-0 with Cavani and Anthony Martial scoring the goals.

Manchester United 3-1 Everton

Written by John Walker

Filed Under: Feature, First Team, Managers, Match Previews, News, Opinion Tagged With: , , , , ,

Ratings: Cavani and Martial score to knock Everton out of the Carabao Cup; another clean sheet for Henderson

23 December 2020 by

Manchester United beat Everton 2-0 at Goodison Park in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening, earning a place in the semi-final of the competition. It was a big first half for United, who could have scored multiple goals having more chances in the half. It took 88 minutes before Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side found the back of the net with Edinson Cavani opening the scoring. Both Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford had opportunities to double United’s lead, missing their chances but Anthony Martial scored the second goal at the death to secure the victory.

United started their second match of the season at Goodison Park on good stead, attacking from the very start of the match. Edinson Cavani was the first player to be praised for his thinking as he had many opportunities to carve a lead for United in the first 25 minutes of the match. United pushed Everton into their own half for much of the half, carving out chance after chance. Paul Pogba could have opened the scoring inside the first 30 minutes after an Alex Telles header found the Frenchman, who headed directly at the keeper as he could not get enough power on his effort on goal.

In the 37th minute of the match, Everton won a free-kick with Gylfi Sigurdsson stepping up to take it. He hit the target but Dean Henderson, who started once again in the Carabao Cup, made a great save to deny the midfielder, giving away a corner which United dealt with. It was a positive half, more so for United who had ten shots on goal, four of those on target and more than 60% of the ball, doing a lot more than their hosts with it. Everton had four shots on goal, three of which were on target. It was all still to play for in the fixture with both teams looking to find the back of the net in the second half.

Inside the first ten minutes of the second half, Richarlison seemed to be caught between both Eric Bailly, who was rising for the ball and Bruno Fernandes, who was protecting Bailly and the defence. Richarlison seemed to be winded and unable to continue and was then replaced by Bernard. Paul Pogba was booked in the 57th minute for a challenge, which looked like nothing in my opinion. United had a good chance through Fernandes in the 61st minute, but he was well off target and seemed annoyed with himself. Solskjaer was getting ready for a double substitution the 64th minute of the match with United wanting to win this match.

Solskjaer made his double substitution in the 67th minute with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial replacing Donny van de Beek and Mason Greenwood. United had a few opportunities after the substitutions to make the difference but with eight minutes of the match left, it was still 0-0 with both teams trying to do enough to get that elusive goal to win the game and put the winning team into the semi-final of the Carabao Cup. Solskjaer made his final substitution in the 84th minute with Luke Shaw replacing Telles. United found the back of the net in the 88th minute of the match.

Edinson Cavani slotted home superbly after being played in by Martial with a great pass. The Uruguayan got his fourth goal for United effectively putting them into the semi-final of the competition with rivals Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Championship side Brentford. United did have a further chance in the five minutes of added time through both Fernandes and Rashford, but were unable to cement the victory. In the last minute of added time, Martial, played on by Rashford, scored the second goal of the match. It was a good fitness test for United and a better win after they found the back of the net.

Manchester United

26 Dean Henderson

Made a great save to deny Sigurdsson in the first half of the match.

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38 Axel Tuanzebe

Broke forward a lot of the time in the opening stages of the match and even broke into the box but could not gather the ball to find an advantage.

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3 Eric Bailly

Looked to have been injured in the match after a collision with Richarlison in the second half, but he continued, which was a good sign after his injury record being dreadful at United.

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5 Harry Maguire

Led the side well against Everton and did everything he could to keep the home side at bay in this Carabao Cup quarter-final clash.

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27 Alex Telles

His crossing of the ball is impeccable and an improvement on Shaw's efforts. The Brazilian continued to play well against Everton and saw a good free-kick sail over the crossbar. He was replaced by Shaw in the 84th minute of the match.

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34 Donny van de Beek

Started once again but despite United carving chances, especially in the opening stages of the match, the Dutchman just did not seem to get a mark on the match. He was replaced by Rashford in the 67th minute of the match.

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31 Nemanja Matic

Played well against Everton. There was nothing to write home about but he protected the defence, who kept another clean sheet in the Carabao Cup this season.

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6 Paul Pogba

Played well. His quick reaction with a header from a corner showed his reading of the game.

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18 Bruno Fernandes

He won't be happy with his misses on a frustrating night in Liverpool. He was once again one of the main players in the match, aiming to propel his side forward. He was very happy that Cavani scored in the 88th minute.

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11 Mason Greenwood

He was not perhaps the liveliest player on the pitch but he did what was needed against Everton. He was replaced by Martial in the 67th minute of the match.

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7 Edinson Cavani

Had many chances on goal and was perhaps unlucky to not score in the first 25 minutes of the match. He did find the back of the net in the 88th minute of the match, opening the scoring in the match and putting United ahead. It was a great finish too.

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Substitutes

9 Anthony Martial

Replaced Greenwood 67'. Came on at add more attacking intent and will be thankful of the break he got by not starting. Scored United's second goal at the death, which secured the victory.

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10 Marcus Rashford

Replaced Van de Beek 67'. Came on like Martial at add more attacking intent and did just that. He got another assist for Martial's finish, making him one of the players to score and assist many goals this season (12 goals four assists).

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23 Luke Shaw

Replaced Telles 84'. Came on late in the game. Booked for a challenge. Did what he needed to do in the victory.

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Goals: Edinson Cavani 88′, Anthony Martial 90+6′

Assists: Anthony Martial 88′, Marcus Rashford 90+6′

Manchester United: Henderson; Tuanzebe, Bailly, Maguire, Telles (Shaw 84′); Van de Beek (Rashford 67′), Matic, Pogba; Fernandes; Greenwood (Martial 67′), Cavani

Substitutes Not Used: Grant; Fosu-Mensah; Lingard, Fred

Bookings: Paul Pogba 57′, Axel Tuanzebe 90′, Luke Shaw 90+4′

Written by John Walker

Filed Under: Feature, First Team, Managers, Match Reports, Opinion, Player Ratings Tagged With: , , , , ,

Confirmed XI: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer names team to face Everton in Carabao Cup quarter-final

23 December 2020 by

Manchester United will take a break from the Premier League this evening as they travel to Goodison Park to take on Everton for the second time this season, this time in the Carabao Cup quarter-final. United topped the Merseyside club on Sunday with a 6-2 victory over Leeds United in the Premier League – their biggest scoring victory in the league this season. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be seeking to get his team to the semi-final of the Carabao Cup this season in bid to win his first trophy as manager of the club, which has so far avoided him, losing three semi-finals so far. United may need to rotate some players for this match.

United will take on Leicester City in the Premier League at the King Power Stadium on Boxing Day (Saturday), kicking off at 12:30 GMT. It is important that United continue to keep winning in the league and resting some important players, keeping them fresh for the remaining three matches, after Everton, which are to be played between Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Everton could be a tough team to beat, although at Goodison Park on the 7 November, United won 3-1 with a brace from Bruno Fernandes and a late goal scored by Edinson Cavani, who is fit once again for United and could perhaps start this match?

Manchester United:

Henderson;

Tuanzebe, Bailly, Maguire, Telles;

Van de Beek, Matic, Pogba;

Fernandes;

Greenwood, Cavani

Substitutes:

Grant; Shaw, Fosu-Mensah; Lingard, Fred; Martial, Rashford

Everton:

Olsen;

Coleman, Mina, Keane, Godfrey;

Doucoure, Gomes;

Iwobi, Sigurdsson, Richarlison;

Calvert-Lewin

Substitutes:

Pickford; Kenny, Holgate; Davies; Tosun, Bernard, Gordon

United and Everton have met 15 times in domestic cup competitions, 12 times in the FA Cup and three times in the League Cup. United have won seven times, lost eight times and drawn once (which led to a defeat on penalties which is included in the losses). United have scored a total of 13 goals, conceding 14 and keeping six clean sheets. The last time United met Everton in a cup competition was in the FA Cup semi-final on the 23 April 2016, winning 2-1 with Marouane Fellaini opening the scoring in the 34th minute, Chris Smalling scoring an own goal in the 75th minute and Anthony Martial scoring the winner in the 90th minute.

In the Premier League it is a different story with 57 matches being played with United winning 37, drawing 11 and losing nine. United have scored 15 goals, winning five penalties and scoring four. Everton have scored 54 times, winning four penalties, scoring three. United have kept 24 clean sheets with Everton keeping just nine. Earlier this season, United beat Everton 3-1 at Goodison Park. Bernard opened the scoring in the 19th minute then Bruno Fernandes scored a brace in the 25th and 32nd minutes with Edinson Cavani scoring the winner two minutes into added time. United will be looking for a similar result on Wednesday evening.

Written by John Walker

Filed Under: Feature, First Team, Managers, News, Opinion, Starting XI Tagged With: , , , , ,

Predicted XI: [4-2-3-1] Cavani, James, Van de Beek and Greenwood to lead the line against Everton; Pogba, Bailly and Henderson to start too?

21 December 2020 by

Manchester United will take a break from the Premier League on Wednesday as they travel to Goodison Park to take on Everton for the second time this season, this time in the Carabao Cup quarter-final. United topped the Merseyside club on Sunday with a 6-2 victory over Leeds United in the Premier League – their biggest scoring victory in the league this season. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be seeking to get his team to the semi-final of the Carabao Cup this season in bid to win his first trophy as manager of the club, which has so far avoided him, losing three semi-finals so far. United may need to rotate some players for this match.

United will take on Leicester City in the Premier League at the King Power Stadium on Boxing Day (Saturday), kicking off at 12:30 GMT. It is important that United continue to keep winning in the league and resting some important players, keeping them fresh for the remaining three matches, after Everton, which are to be played between Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Everton could be a tough team to beat, although at Goodison Park on the 7 November, United won 3-1 with a brace from Bruno Fernandes and a late goal scored by Edinson Cavani, who is fit once again for United and could perhaps start this match?

How United have faired against Everton in domestic cup competitions and the Premier League.

United and Everton have met 15 times in domestic cup competitions, 12 times in the FA Cup and three times in the League Cup. United have won seven times, lost eight times and drawn once (which led to a defeat on penalties which is included in the losses). United have scored a total of 13 goals, conceding 14 and keeping six clean sheets. The last time United met Everton in a cup competition was in the FA Cup semi-final on the 23 April 2016, winning 2-1 with Marouane Fellaini opening the scoring in the 34th minute, Chris Smalling scoring an own goal in the 75th minute and Anthony Martial scoring the winner in the 90th minute.

In the Premier League it is a different story with 57 matches being played with United winning 37, drawing 11 and losing nine. United have scored 15 goals, winning five penalties and scoring four. Everton have scored 54 times, winning four penalties, scoring three. United have kept 24 clean sheets with Everton keeping just nine. Earlier this season, United beat Everton 3-1 at Goodison Park. Bernard opened the scoring in the 19th minute then Bruno Fernandes scored a brace in the 25th and 32nd minutes with Edinson Cavani scoring the winner two minutes into added time. United will be looking for a similar result on Wednesday evening.

Here is my predicted starting XI to face Everton in the Carabao Cup at Goodison Park on Wednesday evening…

Goalkeeper: Dean Henderson

Dean Henderson did not exactly have the best match against his former loan club Sheffield United, a match which saw him concede two goals, although United won 3-2, taking all three points in the Premier League. The 23-year-old was on the bench against Leeds United on Sunday, a match in which United scored six goals, conceding two – rising to third in the Premier League. With David de Gea playing a lot of football recently, and the fact United will travel to Leicester City in the early kick off on Boxing Day, resting the Spanish number one for this match could be a good choice with Henderson needing minutes to bed himself in at the club.

Defenders: Brandon Williams, Eric Bailly, Harry Maguire, Alex Telles

United’s defence will need somme rotation this week with another three matches to play after the Everton match up until New Year’s Day. Solskjaer has a few options. He could start Brandon Williams in the right-back position (Tim Fosu-Mensah could also be called upon). At left-back, Alex Telles could start ahead of Luke Shaw, who was ill in the running up to the clash with Leeds and came off after an hour. In the centre of defence, Eric Bailly could start once again with Harry Maguire, but the manager also has the likes of Axel Tuanzebe and Teden Mengi, who could both be available to start this week.

Midfield: Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba

The midfield is an area that needs a lot of focus, especially when there are trophies on the line, as is the case with the Carabao Cup. United would like to be in the semi-final draw and will try their best in order to get there. On Sunday against Leeds, Scott McTominay scored a brace inside three minutes but was injured at the end of the match, therefore is likely to miss this one. Fred also played and may require a rest to continue playing so often. Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic were both rested, so could start this match in the pivot roles, which could set United up well against Everton for the second time this season.

Attacking Midfield: Mason Greenwood, Donny van de Beek, Daniel James

United will need to be at the top of their game in the attacking areas. Marcus Rashford (12) and Bruno Fernandes (13) lead the goalscoring charts at the club at this stage of the season but could both be on the bench, giving them a slight break ahead of the trip to Leicester on Boxing Day. Mason Greenwood could start on the right-wing, which has been a problem position for United over the years with Daniel James on the left-wing, after his goal against Leeds at the weekend. In between the duo, Donny van de Beek could play in place of Fernandes as he seeks to show his manager what he has to offer for his new club.

Forwards: Edinson Cavani

Edinson Cavani has to start this match against Everton. In his last visit to Goodison Park, he scored United’s third goal in the match sealing the victory for United. He has been injured of late and might miss some matches in January depending on the result of his charge by the FA after that social media post which seems to have been taken out of context. Cavani is capable of doing well for United, despite his age. His three goals already this season matches those of Anthony Martial, who could be rested for this match to keep him fresh for the weekend with United seeking to continue their rise in the Premier League table.

Substitutes: David De Gea; Tim Fosu-Mensah, Axel Tuanzebe; Juan Mata, Bruno Fernandes, Facundo Pellistri; Marcus Rashford

In the Premier League, nine players are now allowed to be named on the bench but in the Carabao Cup only seven players can be named on the bench with a maximum of three being used in the competition. David De Gea could be on the bench, just in case he is needed in goal. In defence, Tim Fosu-Mensah and Axel Tuanzebe could be called upon should there be a requirement for them. In midfield, the experience of Juan Mata and Bruno Fernandes could be good with the raw talent of Facundo Pellistri. In attack, Marcus Rashford could be there in case the forwards that start the match are not able to do the job needed.

Written by John Walker

Filed Under: Feature, First Team, Managers, Opinion, Starting XI Tagged With: , , , , ,

Preview: Everton -v- Manchester United – Carabao Cup – United aiming to beat the Toffees to get closer to cup glory?

21 December 2020 by

Everton -v- Manchester United

Carabao Cup

Goodison Park, Liverpool

Wednesday 23 December 2020, KO 20:00 GMT

Referee: Andrew Madley  Assistants: Edward Smart, Adrain Holmes 

Fourth Official: Andre Marriner

Manchester United will take a break from the Premier League on Wednesday as they travel to Goodison Park to take on Everton for the second time this season, this time in the Carabao Cup quarter-final. United topped the Merseyside club on Sunday with a 6-2 victory over Leeds United in the Premier League – their biggest scoring victory in the league this season. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be seeking to get his team to the semi-final of the Carabao Cup this season in bid to win his first trophy as manager of the club, which has so far avoided him, losing three semi-finals so far. United may need to rotate some players for this match.

United will take on Leicester City in the Premier League at the King Power Stadium on Boxing Day (Saturday), kicking off at 12:30 GMT. It is important that United continue to keep winning in the league and resting some important players, keeping them fresh for the remaining three matches, after Everton, which are to be played between Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Everton could be a tough team to beat, although at Goodison Park on the 7 November, United won 3-1 with a brace from Bruno Fernandes and a late goal scored by Edinson Cavani, who is fit once again for United and could perhaps start this match?

Manchester United: WWDLWL

Leeds United 6-2 W, Sheffield United 3-2 W, Manchester City 0-0 D, RB Leipzig 3-2 L, West Ham United 3-1 W, Paris Saint-Germain 3-1 L

Everton: WWWDLW

Arsenal 2-1 W, Leicester City 2-0 W, Chelsea 1-0 W, Burnley 1-1 D, Leeds United 1-0 L, Fulham 3-2 W

Top Scorers: Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford have scored 25 goals between them this season with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring 14 goals himself this season. United have 12 different goalscorer with Everton having 11 – one of which is no longer at the club.

Manchester United Goals: 13 – Bruno Fernandes, 12 – Marcus Rashford, 3 – Edinson Cavani, Mason Greenwood, Anthony Martial, Scott McTominay, 2 – Daniel James, Harry Maguire, Juan Mata, Paul Pogba, 1 – Own Goal, Donny van de Beek, Aaron Wan-Bissaka

United seem to have turned a corner after their poor start to the Premier League season. Still with a game in hand over many of the clubs in the league, United sit in third place, which is where they finished last season. They are five points adrift of league leaders, Liverpool. Solskjaer’s side have done well this season, finding their form and grinding out results, often coming from behind to win all three points. This may not be idea but the squad is work in progress and still has some problems which need to be fixed. In the coming few months, United could start to silence some of their critics but they will just find something else to moan about.

Everton Goals: 14 – Dominic Calvert-Lewin, 5 – Richarlison, 3 – Michael Keane, James Rodríguez, 2 – Bernard, Moise Kean, Yerry Mina, Gylfi Sigurdsson, 1 – Abdoulaye Doucouré, Mason Holgate, Alex Iwobi

Everton started the season in fine form and topped the league table on a few occasions. However, recently, their form has been inconsistent but they are seeking to overcome that. In their last six matches, the Toffees have won four, drawn once and lost once, with United having won three, drawn once and lost twice. United sit just above Everton in the Premier League table, on goal difference, which shows that there is something positive happening at both clubs this season. This match will be entirely different though. Everton hold the cards against United in cup competitions, winning eight and losing seven of the 15 ties played so far.

Team News: Two players definitely out of action for United with McTominay a doubt. Everton have four players on the sidelines with Rodriguez a doubt at this moment in time – but that could change before Wednesday’s clash at Goodison Park.

Phil Jones (knee) will be out of action until next year, not that he was named in a playing squad this season anyway. Marcos Rojo (calf) could be back in action in early to mid-January but he has not played any football so far this season. Luke Shaw (illness) came off on the hour mark, so could be a doubt for the Everton match and Scott McTominay (groin) came off in the final minutes in the 6-2 victory over Leeds United at Old Trafford on Sunday and will need to be assessed in the coming days. He has a 25% chance of featuring against Everton on Wednesday at this moment in time.

Jean-Philippe Gbamin (calf/shin), Fabian Delph (thigh), Lucas Digne (ankle/foot) and Allan Marques Loureiro (thigh) all look set to be ruled out of the Carabao Cup clash with United at Goodison Park on Wednesday evening. James Rodriguez (calf/shin) has been out of action for the past three Premier League matches and has a 50% chance of featuring for his club against United this week. Other than that, Everton look to have a full squad, which could be a benefit for them with United playing more matches than them recently, which again could be an advantage or a disadvantage.

Predicted Starting XI: Edinson Cavani, Daniel James, Donny van de Beek and Mason Greenwood to lead the attack against Everton?

Solskjaer will need to keep some freshness in his team ahead of the remainder of the fixtures during the Festive period. United will play every three days until New Year’s Day, before they have a longer break of seven days before they face Watford in the Emirates FA Cup. Edinson Cavani, Daniel James, Donny van de Beek and Mason Greenwood could lead the line with Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic in midfield. In defence, Brandon Williams, Eric Bailly, Harry Maguire and Alex Telles could all play in front of Dean Henderson, who should continue in United’s Carabao Cup pursuit this season.

Match Prediction: 15 Matches played in domestic cup competitions between United and Everton with United winning seven and Everton winning eight.

United and Everton have met 15 times in domestic cup competitions, 12 times in the FA Cup and three times in the League Cup. United have won seven times, lost eight times and drawn once (which led to a defeat on penalties which is included in the losses). United have scored a total of 13 goals, conceding 14 and keeping six clean sheets. The last time United met Everton in a cup competition was in the FA Cup semi-final on the 23 April 2016, winning 2-1 with Marouane Fellaini opening the scoring in the 34th minute, Chris Smalling scoring an own goal in the 75th minute and Anthony Martial scoring the winner in the 90th minute.

In the Premier League it is a different story with 57 matches being played with United winning 37, drawing 11 and losing nine. United have scored 15 goals, winning five penalties and scoring four. Everton have scored 54 times, winning four penalties, scoring three. United have kept 24 clean sheets with Everton keeping just nine. Earlier this season, United beat Everton 3-1 at Goodison Park. Bernard opened the scoring in the 19th minute then Bruno Fernandes scored a brace in the 25th and 32nd minutes with Edinson Cavani scoring the winner two minutes into added time. United will be looking for a similar result on Wednesday evening.

Everton 2-3 Manchester United

Written by John Walker

Filed Under: Feature, First Team, Managers, Match Previews, News, Opinion Tagged With: , , , , ,

Player Ratings: Bruno Fernandes the Man of the Match with two goals and one assist; Fred did well, Edinson Cavani opens his account

7 November 2020 by

Manchester United beat Everton 3-1 at Goodison Park in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side had a bad start after Bernard opened the scoring in the 19th minute of the match but Bruno Fernandes headed home six minutes later to level the score. The Portuguese midfield then played a cross into the box in the 32nd minute of the match with Marcus Rashford looking to make the connection and the ball beat Jordan Pickford to put United into the lead but it never touched Rashford and the goal was claimed by Fernandes. Edinson Cavani opened his account for United in added time to secure a 3-1 victory for United.

United started the match confidently, moving the ball around crisply in the opening stages of the match. Everton had a chance in the sixth minute after James Rodrigues switched the play to find Bernard on the left with the Brazilian heading his effort over the crossbar. Lucas Digne found himself free on the left two minutes later but his cross was deflected by Aaron Wan-Bissaka. After a good few minutes for Everton and a Marcus Rashford shot at the other end, the home side took the lead on the 19th minute through Bernard after Jordan Pickford launched the ball up field with Victor Lindelof flicking it into Bernard who found the bottom left-hand corner.

The lead did not last long though with United getting on the attack. Juan Mata found Luke Shaw free on the left with the fullback whipping the ball into the box for the unmarked Bruno Fernandes who met the ball with a powerful header into the far corner of the net scoring his fifth goal of the season. United were level at last. Everton had a few close calls to restore their lead again with Dominic Calvert-Lewin hitting the post in the 28th minute. In the 32nd United took the lead with Fernandes crossing into the box, finding Marcus Rashford with the ball seemingly coming off his head and beating Pickford, however, it was Fernandes’ goal. 2-1 to United.

It was a good half for United in the fact that once again they conceded the first goal, then got themselves back into the match, which is a good sign. Fernandes has been a class addition to United’s squad and the fact he has scored and assisted as many goals as he has for the club is a showing of the class and ability that he has as a player. I feel sorry for the Ole out brigade who won’t like any positivity to weaken their negativity, which is quite pathetic of them. They seem to be dreaming of another manager coming to the club, only to turn against them 18 months later. Imagine a time where the Arsenal fans were just like this – the button has been handed over now.

Fernandes, who was struggling with a knock at the end of the first half, continued into the second half for United. He was booked in the 50th minute of the match though for a late tackle on Gylfi Sigurdsson. Everton looked to be gaining ground around the hour mark of the match with Seamus Coleman playing the ball to James Rodriguez with the Colombian playing it back to him, only for him to run into the box and try and score a solo goal. Lindelof closed him down and United made the clearance to avert the danger. Harry Maguire should have won a penalty for a culmination of fouls from Pickford and Michael Keane but nothing was given.

Solskjaer made his first substitution in the 67th minute of the match with Axel Tuanzebe replacing Shaw, who seemed to be carrying a knock. Everton then tried to get themselves back into the match, searching for that elusive equaliser, which did not seem to be on the cards for the toffees. In the 82nd minute of the match, Solskjaer made a double substitution with Paul Pogba and Edinson Cavani replacing Juan Mata and Anthony Martial. Fernandes has to be the Man of the Match today but Fred has played well too, which is good to see. Edinson Cavani opened up his account with a good finish in added time, which is something he will be pleased about.

Manchester United

1 David De Gea

Conceded the first goal on his 30th birthday, which will not be something that he's happy about. Restored the faith from there with United then equalising, then taking the lead.

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29 Aaron Wan-Bissaka

His defending was top drawer once again. He did get forward a few times and I would still like to see more attacking, but I get that he's not the attacking fullback that I might crave. It was a positive match for the fullback though.

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2 Victor Lindelof

Allowed Bernard to get past him for the opening goal for Everton. Not the best start for him in this match. However, he seemed more aware after that goal. Lindelof made a crucial collection of the ball early in the second half to restore his earlier mistake.

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5 Harry Maguire

The captain seemed to be unlucky against Everton. At the start of the second half, he was fouled in the box and should have looked to claim a penalty but VAR gave nothing. He led the team from behind and saw them get ahead and remain on top for the large part of the match.

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23 Luke Shaw

Got forward a lot of the time against Everton. Played in a sublime cross which met the head of Fernandes to level the match for United. It seemed to be a good match for Shaw, although he looks to have suffered a knock or a niggle and was replaced by Tuanzebe in the 67th minute of the match.

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17 Fred

Fred may not be a started the majority of the time but what he offers in midfield is great. He can chase his man, mark his man and most of the time show some positivity in his role at the club.

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39 Scott McTominay

I don't understand why people moan when he starts. His work rate, desire, determination and ability to track back and win the ball is what a midfielder needs to do. When Pogba plays, he does none of this.

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8 Juan Mata

It was good to see him start once again for United. He offered a lot. Yes, his pace is a problem but his footballing brain is what makes him a good player. He was involved in some good football against Everton. He was replaced by Pogba in the 82nd minute of the match.

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18 Bruno Fernandes

He's back in form again. Scored a brilliant header to equalise for United, assisted by Shaw. Then minutes later, played a cross into Rashford, who went for the ball and beat Pickford. However, Rashford did not make contract with the ball for Fernandes was on a hat-trick.

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10 Marcus Rashford

Looked to have scored late in the first half but at a closer look, he never made contact with the ball and it was a Fernandes goal. He got forward a lot and played some good football.

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9 Anthony Martial

Great to see him back and starting in the Premier League after his suspension. Two goals in the Champions League will have kept him raring to go for his club. The Frenchman was replaced by Cavani in the 82nd minute of the match.

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Substitutes

38 Axel Tuanzebe

Replaced Shaw 67'. Played well after replacing Shaw. United seemed to be comfortable in defence, which was a good sign after that poor match in Turkey this week.

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6 Paul Pogba

Replaced Mata 82'. Came on late in the game to help steer United to victory. He was involved in some good play but I feel he needs to do more to become a starter again.

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7 Edinson Cavani

Replaced Martial 82'. Led the line well for United for the remainder of the match. Opened his account for his new club with United's third goal of the game in added time.

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Goals: Bernard 19′; Bruno Fernandes 25′, 32′, Edinson Cavani 90+5′

Assists: Luke Shaw 25′, Bruno Fernandes 90+5′

Manchester United: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw (Tuanzebe 67′); Fred, McTominay; Mata (Pogba 82′), Fernandes, Rashford; Martial (Cavani 82′)

Substitutes Not Used: Henderson; James, Matic, Van de Beek

Bookings: Mason Holgate 34′, Allan 45+4′, Cenk Tosun 86′, Abdoulaye Doucoure 88′; Bruno Fernandes 50′, Fred 83′

Written by John Walker

Filed Under: Feature, First Team, Managers, Match Reports, Opinion, Player Ratings Tagged With: , , , , ,

Confirmed XI: Lindelof, Fred and Martial return to the starting XI; Pogba, Van de Beek and Cavani on the bench

7 November 2020 by

Manchester United are back in Premier League action this afternoon as they face Everton at Goodison Park. Carlo Ancelotti’s side have lost their last two matches, as have Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s United with both managers seeking to return to winning ways ahead of the last international break of 2020. Everton last won four matches ago when they beat Brighton and Hove Albion 4-2 in the Premier League at the start of October whereas United last won just over a week ago when they punished RB Leipzig 5-0 in the UEFA Champions League. Solskjaer will be under pressure, especially with rumours that suggest the club has contacted Mauricio Pochettino.

The thing is, the problems at the club have been endured by David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho and now Solskjaer but so-called supporters of the club will always blame the current manager, not the factor that only one of the main contributors of the problems; Ed Woodward and the Glazers are the only thing that has been present during each and every problem that the managers of the club has faced. There are few players who have been present since Moyes and Sir Alex Ferguson before him so to blame one man for everything shows that people do not think about things, that just open their mouthes, which without thought is pointless.

Manchester United:

De Gea;

Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw;

Fred, McTominay;

Mata, Fernandes, Rashford;

Martial

Substitutes:

Henderson; Tuanzebe; Pogba, James, Matic, Van de Beek; Cavani

Everton:

Pickford;

Coleman, Holgate, Keane, Digne;

Doucoure, Allan, Sigurdsson;

Rodriguez, Calvert-Lewin, Bernard

Substitutes:

Olsen; Mina, Godfrey; Gomes, Davies; Tosun, Iwobi

United and Everton have played a total of 56 times in the history of the Premier League with United winning 36 times, Everton winning nine times and the two teams drawing 11 times. United have scored a total of 102 goals; winning five penalties and scoring four of them. Everton have scored a total of 53 goals; winning four penalties, scoring three of them. United have kept a total of 24 clean sheets with Everton keeping nine. In terms of discipline, United have been shown a total of 72 yellow cards with two red cards whereas Everton have been shown a total of 103 yellow cards with three red cards being shown.

Last season at Goodison Park, which was played on the 1 March 2020, before the coronavirus lockdown, it was a 1-1 draw between the two sides with Dominic Calvert-Lewin opening the scoring in the third minute of the match and Bruno Fernandes equalising in the 31st minute, assisted by Nemanja Matic. At Old Trafford, which was played on the 15 December 2019, almost three months earlier, it was also a 1-1 draw between the two sides with Victor Lindelof scoring an own goal in the 36th minute of the match and Mason Greenwood, assisted by Daniel James, scoring the equaliser in the 77th minute of the match.

Written by John Walker

Filed Under: Feature, First Team, Managers, News, Opinion, Starting XI Tagged With: , , , , ,

copyright: JW