Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho both broke Manchester United records during Saturday lunchtime’s 2-0 Premier League victory over Everton at Old Trafford.
If there was a performance which best sums up Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United over the last 12 months, it was probably this.
Flashes of quality amid a slurry of sludge. Supporters both wondering how on earth they had not conceded a goal – Everton racking up shot after shot – while simultaneously baffled that they didn’t hit four or five at the other end.
As those familiar weaknesses came to the fore at either end, squandering numerous opportunities on the counter while failing to provide adequate protection for Andre Onana at the back, United needed two first-half penalties to avoid another demoralising result at home to an Everton side who had not tasted victory in the Premier League since December 16th.
Manchester United beat Everton 2-0
There were, at least, a couple of pieces of history made at Old Trafford, the electrifying Alejandro Garnacho acting as something of a human alarm clock on an afternoon which could have otherwise worked as a cure for insomnia.
The twinkle-toed Argentine, drawing clumsy fouls from both James Tarkowski and Ben Godfrey, became the first Man United player ever to win two penalties in the same Premier League game. And, by slotting the first past Jordan Pickford with just 12 minutes on the clock, Fernandes also became the club’s most prolific spot-kick scorer in the tournament’s history.
The Portugal international’s 29th sees him move ahead of the iconic Ruud van Nistelrooy. Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, is now trailing in third with 24.
Fernandes and Rashford score from the spot
Marcus Rashford then sent Pickford the wrong way to double United’s lead later in the half, Garnacho breezing through a bamboozled Everton backline and roaring with delight as his fleet of foot tempted Godfrey into a challenge that was never going to succeed.
United have now cut the gap to Tottenham and Aston Villa. Both of their Champions League rivals go head-to-head at Villa Park on Sunday.
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