United strengthen top-four hopes

Scott McTominay and Anthony Martial scored as Manchester United put in a strong performance at home to Everton.

Action: Manchester United should have been out of sight by half-time after a dominant first half of football. Erik ten Hag’s team were quick to deploy long balls over the top of a high Everton line – a tactic that proved effective.

Fortunately for the Toffees, Jordan Pickford was the last line of defence and the England goalkeeper was needed to deny both Marcus Rashford and Anthony when they were played in behind. Each time Pickford was able to get himself in the way of the effort as United spurned chances.

For all that, Everton could have taken the lead themselves when Tyrell Malacia lost track of Ellis Simms’ run. Simms had plenty of time in the area but dragged his effort wide of the post.

But United did get the goal their early domination deserved in the 36th minute when Jadon Sancho was able to play Scott McTominay into a space in the penalty area and the midfielder was able to fire the ball past Pickford.

After an opening 45 minutes in which Manchester United had 21 shots, they weren’t quite able to keep up that momentum in the second half. 

Everton slowly looked like they were growing into the game until the 71st minute when the home side put the game beyond doubt. A long ball over the top from Lisandro Martínez was miscontrolled by Seamus Coleman, Rashford was able to take advantage and square the ball for substitute Anthony Martial to finish off.

There was good news and bad news for Erik ten Hag as the game went on: the good was that Christian Eriksen returned to play his first game since January but Rashford hobbled off with a groin injury that will put him in doubt for United’s next games.

Big Picture: United were comfortable winners but may be frustrated that the score was only 2-0 when it could have easily been 5-0 at half-time. The points are most important of course and every win is a step closer to a top-four place. The only concern now is the severity of Marcus Rashford’s injury.

For Everton, this is a game they would not have expected to win and although they had occasional bright spots the Toffees didn’t look like causing a real problem.

xG: Manchester United (3.75) 2-0 (0.99) Everton

.@ManUtd march back into third 🔴#MUNEVE pic.twitter.com/REadCxQD0j

— Premier League (@premierleague) April 8, 2023