Man United beat Everton 2-1 in come-from-behind style last night, but what did we learn from the encounter at Goodison Park?
Erik ten Hag’s men are now sitting just outside the Premier League’s top four, having won fifteen points from their last possible eighteen. Following the poor start, nobody expected this turnaround.
What made this win particularly pleasing was the fact that it came after a poor derby day loss last time out. In season’s gone by, the lads would have let that result ruin them for weeks on end. That’s not the case under new management.
I’d say we learnt a fair bit from this encounter, so let’s get right into it.
Casemiro is quality
So we all know that Casemiro is a multiple-time Champions League winner who boasts loads of experience at the highest level. However, it was always going to take him time to settle into his new surroundings.
Handed his first league start yesterday, the Brazil international was undoubtedly at fault for the Everton opener. However, like all top players, he bounced back well.
Nobody won more tackles than him on the day, while his pass into Ronaldo for the eventual winner was a thing of beauty. He grew into the match and it was a delight to watch him work.
Luke Shaw playing with confidence
Having been out in the cold due to Tyrell Malacia’s good form, Shaw came back into the XI with a point to prove. My word, he did just that.
Defensively, the Englishman was every bit as good as his Dutch colleague has been recently, while we all know his attacking qualities. Shaw is a willing runner. He’ll always look to get beyond his winger and cause trouble. This really was a complete performance from the ex-Southampton left-back.
Antony is lethal
That’s now three in three for Antony. Nobody expected that when he signed for United towards the end of the transfer window – and all credit to him.
His goal for Man United against Everton was a carbon copy of his Arsenal strike – and what a finish it was.
Although the Brazilian drifts in and out of the game, you cannot fault his work ethic, commitment to the cause and genuine love he has for that badge on his chest. I’m a big fan.
Anthony Martial can’t be fully trusted
I love the dude. I really want it to work. You cannot fault his goal-contribution ratio to start this season. However, availability is reliability. If Martial cannot stay fit, he can have all the talent in the world and it becomes meaningless.
Let’s see how serious this latest niggle is, though I have my genuine doubts about the Frenchman’s fitness already. Coming into the season with problems is a hard thing to recover from, just ask Marcus Rashford.
This side is becoming more resilient
We would have absolutely lost that game last season. United are slowly but surely changing their mindsets into a more positive one – and we have to be delighted about that.
This process will take time, but the early signs are absolutely encouraging. Long may it continue under the new gaffer.
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