( Highlights | Post-Match Reaction )
Manchester United 2 Everton 0
McTominay ’36 , Martial ’71
The combination of wasteful finishing and a man-of-the-match performance from England keeper Pickford kept the score to two-nil in a game where United should’ve scored more. This was one of United’s better performances. They started brightly and were relentless in their pursuit of an opening goal. Unfortunately, Rashford looks to have picked up a groin injury and limped off in the second half.
Despite their early dominance, United gifted Everton a massive chance in the 19th minute with Simms clear on goal and only the De Gea to beat. Luckily for United, the forward scuffed the shit wide. It was a rare break from total United control, but it could’ve been costly given how profligate they were for most of the first half.
United made the breakthrough after 36 minutes. Rashford found Sancho on the right, and he slid a ball through for the run of McTominay. The Scotsman finished from an acute angle to continue his goal-scoring form. It was one of twenty-one shots United had in the half but the only one to beat Pickford. Only six of them had even been on target.
United were comfortable in the second, but where the shots were wild and plenty in the first half for the beginning of the second, they were non-existent. At the hour mark, Martial came on for Antony and United began to show more attacking intent. Fernandes had a header saved. Pickford saved from Wan Bisakka. Rashford fired over from long range. It looked like United might have to do with a solitary goal.
Then, from a long Martinez clearance, Coleman miscontrolled the ball and set Rashford free. The England man squared to Martial, who took a touch before finishing clinically past a flailing Pickford.
United may need to hope Martial stays fit. Minutes after the goal, Rashford strained to take down an Eriksen pass and immediately motioned to the bench that his game was over. From his body language, it looks like it was a groin strain at best and a tear at worst. Either way, he’s unlikely to feature for weeks if not months. Ten Hag and all United supporters will await the news with trepidation.
Manchester United:
De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Martinez, Malacia, McTominay, Sabitzer, Antony, Fernandes, Sancho, Rashford.
Subs: Butland, Lindelof, Martial, Eriksen, Fred, Varane, Dalot, Weghorst, Pellistri.
Everton:
Pickford, Coleman, Tarkowski, Keane, Godfrey, Onana, Gueye, Iwobi, McNeil, Gray, Simms.
Subs: Begovic, Patterson, Holgate, Mina, Mykolenko, Maupay, Davies, Coady, Garner.