After the humiliation suffered last week against neighbor and rival Manchester City (6-3)the Red Devils had begun their redemption with a win without a road against Omonia Nicosia in the Europa League (3-2). A very meager satisfaction that did not allow Erik ten Hag’s players to silence the critics. The Journey to Everton, counting for the 10th day of the Premier League, therefore had a very special interest in this (very) complicated season start for the Mancunians. Before kick-off, Anthony Martial was preferred to Cristiano Ronaldo at the forefront of Manchester United’s attack, but an injury to the Frenchman early in the game forced the Red Devils coach to change his plans (29th).
Before that, the Toffees had already opened the score in the first minutes of the game via Alex Iwobi. After a good recovery from Idrissa Gueye on Casemiro in the Mancunians camp, Demarai Gray found the former Arsenal player for the other surface. He then unleashed a brilliant curling shot that ended in David De Gea’s cages (5th, 1-0). While Cristiano Ronaldo had not yet set foot on the pitch, Manchester United equalized thanks to their summer signing, Antony. After a loss of the ball from the former Everton Parisian, Anthony Martial deeply served the ex-Ajax player who was able to adjust Jordan Pickford (15th, 1-1). The Mancunians then took the game on their own, but the Toffees goalkeeper was the strongest against Eriksen (20th) and Anthony Martial (22nd).
Cristiano Ronaldo lets Manchester United walk away with the three points
In the wake of the international tricolor exit, Bruno Fernandes thought he would give the advantage to his team, but his goal was ultimately canceled due to an offside position by his Portuguese team-mate who had just stepped onto the grass (37th). Just before the break, Casemiro catapulted the leather next to the opposing cages when he was on the receiving end of a center love of the Mancunian number 8 (42nd). Finally the light of the newcomer came. The Portuguese took advantage of a nice pass from the Brazilian midfielder to enter the area and adjust Jordan Pickford (44th, 2-1). In addition to providing a breath of fresh air and confidence with this achievement, the five-time Ballon d’Or reached the symbolic milestone of 700 club goals, 20 years and two days after his first banner at Sporting Portugal.
When they returned from the dressing room, the Red Devils returned to the field with the same determination and the good intentions of Frank Lampard’s players at the start of the game faded a bit more, mainly due to the intense pressing of the Mancunians. Despite a few attempts, to the credit of Everton, who seriously lacked precision in the last gesture, even the penultimate gesture to alarm the opposing rearguard. On the hour, Lisandro Martinez was short of heading a free kick from Christian Eriksen that finished his race in the gloves of the England goalkeeper (64th). About ten minutes before the final whistle, Marcus Rashford thought he could seal his people’s victory, but his goal was eventually canceled by a handball from the English striker (81st). Everton could then still believe in the equalizer, but David De Gea was unmanageable in the air to stay ahead of Amadou Onana (90th + 1). The succession of corners into extra time in favor of the locals did nothing and Manchester United were then able to celebrate this precious victory. With this success Manchester United rise to 5th place in the Premier League, while Everton remains stuck in the soft underbelly of the English Championship, in 12th place.