Three observations as Manchester United knock Everton out of the FA Cup

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 06: Seamus Coleman of Everton holds off Marcus Rashford of Manchester United during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Manchester United and Everton at Old Trafford on January 06, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

Manchester United have started their 2023 FA Cup campaign with a 3-1 win over Everton to book their place in the fourth round.

Antony opened the scoring before David de Gea committed a howler as Conor Coady equalised. That gave us everything to do in the second half, but I was always under the impress that we would get the job done – so long as we could find a way past Everton’s 11-man defence.

United scored two more goals in the second half to win the match. Conor Coady put the ball in his own net before Marcus Rashford tucked home a penalty kick in stoppage time.

Ten Hag takes all competitions seriously

Erik ten Hag Hag has fielded strong line-ups in all competitions this season, so he is making it very clear that he is desperate to win a trophy. It has been six years since we’ve done it and he would only rise on the popularity charts if he could deliver such a feat in his debut season.

It will be interesting to see if he makes many changes for the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Charlton. Lisandro Martinez will probably replace Raphael Varane in the starting XI because he needs more minutes before the derby.

Anyhow, bring on the fourth round!

De Gea howler

Roy Keane was right when he said the Spaniard looked like a man who was after having a few drinks. De Gea was at fault for Everton’s goal as he tamely let a ball across the box through his legs, allowing Conor Coady to tap in from close range.

You could find faults with United’s defending too, but I can’t get my head around what De Gea was trying to do. Why was he holding onto the near post?

Rashford continues outstanding form

It is the first time Marcus Rashford has scored in five consecutive games for United. He is now on course to beat his best season total of 22 (2019-20), with 13 goals to his name this term.

All three of our goals tonight involved Rashford.

I can see Rashford smashing that tally if he can stay fit because Ten Hag is getting the best out of him.

The sky is the limit for Rashford under the Dutchman, which is why Casemiro recently said he could become one of the top 5 players in world football.

More Stories David de Gea Erik ten Hag Everton Manchester United Marcus Rashford Roy Keane