Manchester United defeated Everton 2-0 to climb to the third spot in the Premier League table.
Erik ten Hag made three changes to his side which overcame Brentford in midweek, with Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Tyrell Malacia coming into the team.
Man United had a flurry of corners early in the game, playing them short to tackle Everton’s height advantage.
The Red Devils kept knocking on Everton’s goal but Jordan Pickford stood tall every time. They had 21 shots in the first 45 minutes as the visitors were penned inside their half.
With United piling pressure on Everton, Jadon Sancho’s cute pass found Scott McTominay who drove his shot past Everton’s shot-stopper.
Just when Everton were looking to come back into the game, a mistake from Seamus Coleman allowed Anthony Martial to get his name on the scoresheet to double United’s lead.
Majestic first half but little end product
The Red Devils should have put the game to bed in the first half. They had 21 shots, the third-highest by any team in Premier League history. They had several clear-cut chances to score but were let down by their finishing.
Marcus Rashford disappointed the home crowd by failing to convert a simple one-on-one opportunity against Pickford. He got another chance but Alex Iwobi knicked the ball just when he was set to pull the trigger.
Wan-Bissaka should have put United ahead after Antony’s effort rebounded from the frame of the goal and fell to his path.
Antony had another great opportunity, but Pickford made a fine save to deny the Brazilian. Thanks to McTominay, United went to the break with something to show for their efforts.
Marcus Rashford suffers groin injury
Rashford has given United a major injury scare as he hobbled off due to a groin injury. He appeared to pull up while attempting to get to the end of a high ball.
Ten Hag will be sweating for Rashford’s fitness as the team relies on him to score goals. He has been their standout player this season, scoring 28 times.
United cannot afford to lose him in the final part of the campaign where they are still competing for two more trophies.
Manchester United puts pressure back on Tottenham Hotspur
United’s league form has been poor since their Carabao Cup triumph. Two consecutive victories have put them back in the driver’s seat in the top-four race.
Tottenham Hotspur are fifth in the table but six points behind the Red Devils. They face Brighton this afternoon and can close the gap to three points.
However, Man United and Newcastle United look most likely to finish in the top four behind Arsenal and Manchester City.
