Manchester United have bounced back from their disastrous defeat against Manchester City last weekend by beating Everton at Goodison Park – they had only won one of their previous seven meetings with the Merseyside club prior to this game.
It looked like United were due another uncomfortable evening when Alex Iwobi opened the scoring in the first half but Erik ten Hag’s men responded swiftly, with Antony scoring the equaliser to become the first United player to score in his first three Premier League appearances.
An injury to Anthony Martial meant that Cristiano Ronaldo was brought on in the first half and the 37-year-old scored just before half-time, which turned out to be the winner.
A late onslaught from Everton needed to be dealt with by United but they got there in the end and secured three invaluable points in the chase for a top-four position.
Man United Player Ratings
David de Gea – 9
Didn’t have all that much to do but came up with the goods late in the game when it was needed. His save to deny James Garner was incredible but perhaps more impressively, his passing was even better. Already, you can see a willingness to improve and develop as a player and that stems from the manager.
Diogo Dalot – 7
He would have warranted a higher rating if his passing wasn’t as hit-and-miss. Dalot got United out of a couple of tricky situations but he also put his side in many of them with his wayward passes.
Victor Lindelof – 8
Comfortable against Neal Maupay but when Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Salomon Rondon were brought on, you started to wonder if Lindelof would struggle. He didn’t.
Lisandro Martinez – 8
Another great performance from Martinez, we’re really starting to see why Ten Hag was so desperate to sign him.
Luke Shaw – 9
Tyrell Malacia has started each of the last five league games and similarly to when Alex Telles was signed in 2020, that seems to have spurred Shaw on. The 27-year-old was electric in this game. Passing was on point, he wasn’t sleeping at the back post and his timing was impeccable.
Christian Eriksen – 7
The man who makes everything tick for United. Keeps things neat and never looks stressed – what an addition.
Casemiro – 9
First start of the season in the Premier League and what a performance. Confident on the ball and with some stray passes aside, he started several moves. His interception and pass for the winner were exquisite.
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Antony – 8
His goal got United back into the game and what a start to life in Manchester. Three Premier League games, three goals. You can’t ask for more.
Bruno Fernandes – 7
He’s still getting used to a different role under Ten Hag and it would be wrong to judge him on goal involvements now. Still, he is integral and that was on show again.
Marcus Rashford – 7
Harshly had a goal disallowed late in the game but overall, he was productive at times. Ten Hag will want him to be influential for longer periods, however.
Anthony Martial – N/A
Martial’s injury issues are starting to get out of hand. After a remarkable return to form, he hobbled off the pitch in the first half. Prior to that, he did play an inch-perfect pass for Antony’s goal.
Substitutes
Cristiano Ronaldo – 8
Statement goal from the superstar. 700 in club football – the first player to ever reach that milestone. Frustrating in spells but overall good.
Scott McTominay, Raphael Varane – N/A
Rashford must learn to be lethal and go on with defenders. He is so reluctant to move forward.