United Review | Everton at home

United 0 - 1 Everton

Our five-match unbeaten streak ended against David Moyes.

Author | Liam C

Without context, the stats make it look like United had the run of the game, but it was all a bit misleading. We racked up 25 efforts yet rarely worked the keeper, and almost all of their 38 crosses came to nothing. 

It felt as if the team were playing on the assumption that Benjamin Sesko was still leading the line, even though he was out for weeks with a knee injury, and they continued setting up as if the opposition had the same number of bodies to aim at.

Ultimately, we didn’t capatalise on an opportunity to take advantage of rivals dropping points and move into the top four.

A closer analysis of what happened

With David Moyes back at M16 for the first time in his second spell as Everton boss, and  former Academy lads Michael Keane and James Garner in his squad, the visitors already looked up against it. Their task became even harder when Idrissa Gana Gueye was sent off in a baffling call after only 13 minutes.

Even so, Kiernan Dewsbury Hall’s brilliant curler just before the half hour proved enough for Everton, despite United peppering their goal throughout the match.

United’s best opening came when Matthijs de Ligt clipped a superb ball over the top to find Mount bursting to the byline. His cut back was perfect for Fernandes arriving near the six yard box, but the skipper’s outside of the boot effort lifted over the bar

Momentum seemed to dip a little as Everton took back a bit of control, but Pickford then pulled off what was probably his best stop of the night, stretching to claw away Zirkzee’s header that looked destined for the net. From the resulting corner, Fernandes tried his luck from distance and sent it just over.

The threat continued to mount deep into stoppage-time, including a chance for De Ligt who could only roll a shot into Pickford’s grateful grasp, but an equaliser failed to materialise, as Everton claimed a first win at Old Trafford in almost 12 years.

In the end it was a night of sheer frustration, especially with so much riding on the result. Onwards to Crystal Palace on Sunday we suppose.