Patrick Rees
Full Time: Manchester United 4-0 Everton
Continuing their fine run of form, Manchester United registered yet another victory, with a 4-0 win over Ronald Koeman’s Everton.
The deadlock was broken in as early as the 4th minute, after Antonio Valencia fired a breathtaking screamer which literally ripped the rigging. Nemanja Matic sent a curling left-footed pass and Antonio Valencia didn’t think twice before hitting a stunning piledriver. This remained the highlight of the first half. Everton looked a completely different side in the second half though. Time and again testing David De Gea’s resolve, Everton were trying their socks off in getting an equaliser. But the Spaniard made sure he maintained his fine run of form.
The Toffees were all over the field and were denying United with relative ease. Manchester United, though, made a stunning comeback as the game headed towards the final ten minutes. A goal from Mkhitaryan, Lukaku and Martial turned the game on its head and completed a 4-0 rout over Everton. Koeman, who headed into the game on the back of a clean record against Jose Mourinho, lost his first game against the Portuguese.
Having said that, this is how the players fared on the evening:
David De Gea: 8/10
The Spaniard was rarely tested in the first 45 minutes but was kept busy in the second period. Denied Wayne Rooney a couple of times before stopping Gylfi Sigurdsson from close range. Sandro Ramirez, on his part, tried his luck, but de Gea was simply too rigid to beat. Once again a fine performance!
Antonio Valencia 7/10
A goal in as early as the fourth minute remained the Ecuadorian’s highlight in the game. Was heavily involved in the first half and delivered some inviting balls into the box. But as the game progressed, his engagement decreased. Hardly had a touch in the second period, but remained solid defensively. His first goal since January 2014.
Eric Bailly 7/10
Solid as always. Was outrun by Everton’s attack at times, but managed to cope with the pressure. A moment of lapse allowed Rooney to go head to head with De Gea. Was booked for a mistimed tackle.
Phil Jones 7/10
Safe to say Jones is back at his best. Tom Davies tried getting the better of Jones, but the Englishman anticipated his moves perfectly.
Ashley Young 7.5/10
A brilliant performance from the 32-year-old. Maintained a brilliant outlay both defensively and offensively. Crosses were well worked and at the same time, denied the likes of Tom Davies and Cuco Martina with relative ease.
Nemanja Matic 8/10
Was easily United’s best outfield player on the evening. The Serbian was everywhere on the field and did what he does best; broke down attacks. His presence, in one way or the other, has helped United a lot. Remains a key cog.
Marouane Fellaini 6.5/10
Not much to talk about the Belgian’s performance. His major highlight remained the interception which allowed Lukaku to release Mkhitaryan, who eventually scored his first Premier League goal of the season.
Marcus Rashford 6/10
A speedy customer as always, but failed to do anything positive in the attacking third. Gave Cuco Martina a run for his money but the final result was always lacking. Quite a selfish performance to say the least. Was substituted.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan 7.5/10
Was once again a creative engine for the team and tried breaking Everton’s defence with his trademark through balls and deadly runs, but to no effect. Scored his first Premier League goal of the season with a composed finish.
Juan Mata 6.5/10
An average performance from the Spaniard. Was regularly involved in the attacking third and even struck the post with a brilliant free-kick.
Romelu Lukaku 6/10
Would have rated him much less if not for the goal he scored late in the game. Missed the simplest of opportunities in the first half followed by a similar fate in the second. Was never involved in the buildup and his first touch let him down throughout. Somehow managed to score his 5th goal in as many appearances with an easy tap-in.
Substitutes
Jesse Lingard 6.5/10
Replaced Marcus Rashford in the 61st minute and assisted Romelu Lukaku with a slight touch off his head.
Ander Herrera 6/10
Came on in the place of Juan Mata to add more steel.
Anthony Martial 7/10
Came on in the 88th minute and ran riot soon after. His fantastic run earned his side a late penalty which he converted with relative ease.
