Manchester United put in a tremendous display as they beat Everton 2-0 at Old Trafford in Saturdays early kick-off.
Here are six things we learned from the game at Old Trafford…
Bruno Fernandes thrives in the quarterback role
Bruno Fernandes once again found himself in a deeper position against Everton, in what many are referring to as a quarterback style role.
The Portuguese magnifico was instrumental in United’s dominance, picking out the front four on various occasions, creating 2 big chances in the process. Only the wastefulness in front of goal stopping him from adding to his assist tally.
Erik ten Hag finds his system
Despite the form this season in periods, the style of play often resembled that as seen under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, relying on counter attacks to win games.
However the past week has seen a shift, with dominant and controlled performances against Brentford and particularly Everton.
This appears to be more in a style befitting ten Hag, much more what he will be envisioning long-term at Old Trafford.
The midfield set-up having Marcel Sabitzer further forward, has reaped great reward of recent and seems to be the way forward, with Fernandes deeper dictating play.
United wasteful in-front of goal
Despite the 2-0 win, United could and maybe should have wrapped up the game in the first-half especially, with six shots on target, and missing six big chances.
Manchester United missed seven big chances overall in the game, in what could have been a perfect opportunity to bolster the desolate goal difference.
Credit must go to Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford who impressed preventing three or four clear cut chances, keeping the scoreline respectable.
The win is a great result but United must improve in front of goal with such a harsh run of games coming up.
Anthony Martial scores again
Against one of his favourite opponents, Anthony Martial got himself back onto the scoresheet following his return from a long injury.
Martial came off the bench in the 61st minute and just 10 minutes later grabbed his seventh goal of the season, and in doing so proved his immense value to the Red Devils.
Martial returning has seemingly signalled the end of Wout Weghorst’s Old Trafford journey. As the on-loan Burnley striker has been used sparingly since then.
Martial will be hoping to remain fit, in order to stake his claim stay at Old Trafford beyond this summer.
Another Clean Sheet
Despite the glaring issues in defence at times this season, David De Gea now finds himself on 13 clean sheets, level with league leader Nick Pope.
This is a huge testament to the stability ten Hag has brought to the club. Making his side play not only attractive football but also defensively solid.
This result was a perfect example of the club’s defensive strength, limiting Everton to just one shot on target.
Could De Gea be in line for the Golden Glove?
Marcus Rashford limps off
Manchester United’s day soured with a late injury suffered by Marcus Rashford.
He limped off the pitch and hobbled down the tunnel, and this could be a major problem for United moving forward.
The extent of his injury is unclear, but at present his status for the Europa League quarter final against Sevilla on Thursday is now in doubt.
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