Manchester United have beaten Everton 2-1 at Goodison Park. Here is a look at five things we learned from the game…
Casemiro atones for early error
After a strong performance in the Europa League, Casemiro was rewarded with his first Premier League start. He quickly found the intensity of this away tie to be different to what he is used to.
Casemiro lost possession early in the game, leading to an opening goal from Alex Iwobi. This was a reminder to sharpen up.
Shortly after he went down after a collision in the penalty area, and stayed down, appealing for a penalty. It wasn’t given, and was never likely to be. In La Liga, perhaps.
He atoned for his early error by creating United’s second goal, winning the ball back to set Ronaldo free to put United in front.
Antony continues hot streak
United hit back with a breakaway goal scored by Antony, who demonstrated excellent composure when one on one with the goalkeeper.
The new signing from Ajax now has three goals in three Premier League games, following strikes against Arsenal and Manchester City.
Bruno Fernandes had won the ball back in midfield to start the move, before Anthony Martial picked out the Brazilian’s run with a perfectly placed pass.
Martial fitness problems strike again
Anthony Martial left Manchester United’s warm-up early after appearing to suffer an injury, but did manage to start the fixture.
While he was able to assist Antony’s equaliser, his night did not last too much longer. Martial was substituted after 26 minutes.
This was Martial’s first Premier League start of the season, and the third injury he has picked up. The extent of how long this will cause him to be out, is as yet unclear.
Ronaldo on target
Cristiano Ronaldo started the match on the bench before replacing Martial, and this match proved to be the breakthrough he was waiting for.
Ronaldo took full advantage of Casemiro’s excellent through ball, with his scorer’s instinct kicking in when one on one with Jordan Pickford.
This was the first goal Ronaldo had scored from open play this season, and his 700th career club goal, a phenomenal record.
United seal important win
United held out to win 2-1 and leave Goodison with all three points. It was a well deserved win with the Red Devils clearly the better team.
The team had to hang on at the end, with David de Gea making a late diving save to prevent an injury-time equaliser.
Marcus Rashford had harshly had an 80th minute strike disallowed.
The victory moves United up into fifth place, and this come from behind win was the ideal way to bounce back from last week’s derby loss.
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