Five things we learned as Manchester United draw 2-2 with Everton

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Manchester United embarked on their final-ever trip at Goodison Park, before coming away with a point from their efforts.

Ruben Amorim’s side went to Goodison Park knowing Everton were in form after being leapfrogged by them in the Premier League last weekend.

Yet it looked like United’s first-team were still asleep as they started the game slowly, teeing themselves up for a tough evening in Merseyside.

Everton, revived under David Moyes, could smell the blood from a United side quaking in their boots and they eventually took advantage after 19 minutes when Beto opened the scoring.

Manchester United continued to ignore the alarming signs that were regularly occurring throughout the game, whilst being overrun in midfield before Abdoulaye Doucoure took advantage of more sloppy defending to double Everton’s lead 10 minutes prior to half-time.

The break did United a few favours but not enough to turn the game around. They played with more control but that was down to Everton being satisfied with their two-goal lead.

Bruno Fernandes pulled one back from a stunning free-kick after 70 minutes to give United some hope at the end.

Then, a few minutes later, Manuel Ugarte scored a half-volley to equalise.

It was all United towards the end until it looked like Everton were awarded a penalty in stoppage time, however, it was overruled by VAR.

Manchester United can’t defend first-half display

The first-half display was indefensible.

That said, United look like they couldn’t defend anything right now.

There were multiple culprits for United’s defending – including the supportless Andre Onana — but it was an overall sloppy display in defence for Amorim’s men.

United showed positive signs of defensive play after Amorim initially arrived, but that has faded following the injury blow sustained by Lisandro Martinez.

The performance for the first hour lacked fight and desire. It makes a difficult watch because the minimum should be hard work.

United didn’t start playing until Fernandes pulled one back after 70 minutes.

Harry Maguire’s worst performance of the season

It’s important to note that Harry Maguire has been one of the most consistent performers under Amorim, however, today he was utterly hopeless.

From not clearing the corner for Beto’s opener to being caught out of position and reacting slowly for their second. It was a first half to forget for Maguire.

Maguire won 5/8 duels and made 14 defensive actions, including two recoveries.

Hopefully, this setback doesn’t knock his confidence.

Patrick Dorgu made a positive difference

Perhaps United’s only positive in the first half was Patrick Dorgu, making his second appearance since joining from Lecce.

The Dane made a positive difference down the left flank and he’s already becoming an outlet for his teammates.

Dorgu continued to get down the left flank and caused problems for Everton by getting four crosses into the box. None of the forwards were able to take advantage of that, again.

Everton were unable to dispossess Dorgu unless they got on the end of one of his crosses.

Rasmus Hojlund lack of involvement hurts United

It was another miserable afternoon for United’s attacking players but none more than Rasmus Hojlund.

The 22-year-old can argue that he is not getting the service required to score goals in this United this, but his lack of involvement is a major concern.

When compared to Joshua Zirkzee, who made 45 touches throughout the match, Hojlund only touched the ball 12 times. It’s a consistent trait which is pretty damning.

Hojlund needs to be showing more for his teammates. Then he might get opportunities to score goals.

Bruno Fernandes hits double figures

Although it was only a consolation goal towards the end, Bruno Fernandes has scored 10 goals for United since the beginning of the campaign.

The Portuguese Magnificio gave United reason to believe after a difficult evening in Merseyside by becoming the first player in Amorim’s squad to hit double figures this season.

Fernandes gives everything on the pitch and is regularly one of United’s top scorers.

He started to run the game after being dropped into a deeper role in midfield. That is what turned the game in United’s favour towards the end.