Manchester United have secured a position inside the four Champions League qualification places as Everton were comfortably dispatched at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon.
Goals from Scott McTominay and Anthony Martial ensured Erik ten Hag’s men walked away with all three points for the second consecutive game, having previously failed to win the last three.
United were completely dominant in the first half and were unlucky not to have finished the game by the time the two sides made their way off the pitch for the interval.
United managed 21 shots in the opening 45 minutes, more than any other team has managed in the first half of a Premier League game this season.
Antony, the Brazil winger, was at the heart of most of the good United produced in the final third and the 23-year-old had several opportunities to score his third goal in as many matches against the Toffees this season.
It didn’t quite work out for him in front of goal but he was, nevertheless, one of United’s best performers on the day and speaking after the game, United legend Paul Scholes has come to the Brazilian’s praises.
Scholes has admitted to previously criticising the former Ajax star but argued that his performance against Everton was his best in a United shirt so far.
“That’s the best game I’ve seen Antony play for United. I thought he was a bit of a one trick pony but he’s learnt to actually run through and he did that a couple of times today,” Scholes told BT Sport, via the Daily Mail.
Antony has been the subject of intense criticism in his maiden campaign at Old Trafford but he seems to be picking up some form at the right time.
United are set for a highly turbulent end to the season as they are still competing for another two trophies, having already picked up the Carabao Cup earlier this year.
The endless amount of injuries in the forward department means that United will be reliant on their attacking stars, with Marcus Rashford becoming the latest to sustain an injury.
After the game, Ten Hag admitted he does not quite know the extent of Rashford’s injury just yet but the Dutchman’s initial assessment was potentially worrying.
It has always been premature to dismiss Anthony.Some players take a little bit more time to adjust to different leagues.I remember the likes of de Gea, Evra,Stam & even CR7 struggled in their early days but they turned out to e legends.Antony has potential & supporters need to be patient with him.its his first season mind you.He needs to work on a few aspects of his game & I’m sure he will thrive at OT.