Manchester United picked up their fifth win of the season against Everton on Sunday, October 9 in a tightly contested clash that ended 2-1 in the Reds’ favour.
Erik ten Hag opted for three tactical changes in United’s starting line-up compared to their previous games; Luke Shaw came in for Tyrell Malacia, Casemiro for Scott McTominay and Anthony Martial made his first start up front with Jadon Sancho dropped to the bench – the latter showing that Martial is likely to be Ten Hag’s preferred forward option when fit.
The Frenchman, unfortunately, was taken off injured after only 28 minutes and replaced by Cristiano Ronaldo. Martial has struggled with maintaining fitness since the start of the season and has only featured for United in short cameos, racking up just 104 minutes so far. Impressively, the striker has managed to contribute two goals and two assists in the time he’s played, showing promising signs for United fans.
Ronaldo was on his quest to reach 700 career goals which he managed to hit in the 44th minute with a fine strike past Jordan Pickford. The Portugal captain looked keen to perform well after falling out of favour under Ten Hag and will hope to have given the manager a performance to remember when considering the starting eleven for Sunday’s clash with Newcastle United.
Luke Shaw was deployed at left-back after Malacia was troubled by Manchester City’s ever-threatening attackers last week. The England international has always relished when he faces competition in his position and again looked adamant to reinstate his place in the starting eleven.
Luke Shaw’s game by numbers vs. Everton:
86 touches
85% pass accuracy
3/5 ground duels won
2 tackles won
2 interceptions
2 clearances
1 aerial duel won
1 long ball completedStrong return to the starting line-up. 👏 pic.twitter.com/F8D6hcm3YV
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) October 9, 2022
Shaw will know that to receive a call-up for the World Cup in November, he has to be getting enough game time at club level and performing well week in, week out is the only way to secure it.
Casemiro has taken time to adjust to the pace and physicality of the Premier League but looked confident last night. Despite McTominay’s form for both United and Scotland, the role alongside Christian Eriksen was likely reserved for the Brazilian since his arrival. It was only a matter of time before he started games. The five-time Champions League winner played the pass that led to Ronaldo’s record-breaking goal, securing his first goal contribution in a United shirt and consequently being awarded Man of the Match.
Casemiro with his MOTM award at Goodison Park. 🇧🇷🔥 #MUFC pic.twitter.com/ueG0oPCEG5
— Stretty News (@StrettyNews) October 10, 2022
Thinking time for Ten Hag
United’s victory will leave much to consider for the manager heading into this weekend’s game and whether or not he sticks with the same squad or reverts back to that of the Liverpool and Arsenal matches. The three points were crucial after an embarrassing defeat to rivals City last week – bouncing back meant nothing less than a win.
Taking on an in-form Newcastle side, who have taken points off of City this season and are on the back of 4-1 and 5-1 wins, is key to keeping United among the top six.
