Player Ratings: Manchester United 1-1 Everton

Manchester United 1-1 Everton | Premier League | Player Ratings

Manchester United are held to a disappointing draw at Old Trafford by Everton.

United began the game strongly. Unlike previous games, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men seemed vibrant with quick interplay. While the Reds looked strong going forward, there was always the constant threat of Everton’s counter as United looked suspect in transition.

That unfortunately was the story of the game. United took the lead late in the first half with Anthony Martial getting himself on the scoresheet for the first time this season. In the second, United seemed to concede possession easier, clearly losing control of proceedings. The Reds inevitably conceded looking at sixes and sevens as the likes of Damarai Gray, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Android Townsend mounted a counter.

Despite the intervention of a strong Jadon Sancho performance after replacing an injured Anthony Martial as well as Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Pogba, The game finished with Ronaldo dropping more points at Old Trafford.

David De Gea: 7 

De Gea had a solid game. The Spaniard made a number of good saves in the first half, and the goal conceded was no fault of his own.  

Defence

Aaron Wan-Bissaka: 7 

Wan-Bissaka was excellent, particularly in the first half. His forward play is constantly improving, and his consistent performances are fundamental to this United side.  

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Raphael Varane: 6 

Varane was average during today’s outing, especially judging by his usual standards. The goal was particularly his fault- more the result of an excellent counter-attack on Everton’s part. 

Victor Lindelof: 7 

Lindelof put in a solid performance today and was unlucky to have conceded, based on his individual performance. His ability to hold up and negate the opposition attackers proved extremely effective, and he was very strong in his tackling throughout the game.  

Luke Shaw: 5 

Shaw, who usually plays so well, was below par today. The left-back didn’t really provide any attacking threat, and the goal conceded was partly his fault, as he ran over to cover the right-hand side, therefore leaving his man unmarked- ultimately leading to Everton’s goal.  

Midfield

Fred: 6 

Unfortunately for Fred, up until he was easily muscled off the ball for Everton’s equaliser, he looked bright. Fred played a significant part in United conceding today, which was a real shame considering the quality of his performance prior to his mistake. 

Scott Mctominay: 5 

Mctominay was a passenger in today’s game. He didn’t make any significant impact to the game in United’s favour. He showed good energy and glimpses of positive defensive cover. However, it’s frustrating how easily it seems to be for opposition players to cut through the midfield, game in game out.  

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Bruno Fernandes: 7 

Fernandes put in a decent performance, notably grabbing an assist – which was a perfectly weighted through ball into the path of Anthony Martial. 

Attack

Edison Cavani: 5 

Cavani made little to no impact in today’s game, before being subbed off. I would possibly attribute this to the fact that he has only recently returned from injury. However, I would’ve liked to have seen more from Cavani, as his passing was sloppy and ineffective, for the most part.  

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Anthony Martial: 7 

You can’t help but be pleased that Martial managed to bag himself a goal – a fantastic strike mind you, rocketed straight past Pickford and into the Everton net. He was ultimately subbed off; however, the hope is this will be the catalyst for Martial to go on and pick up some form in the coming months. 

Mason Greenwood: 6 

Greenwood played quite well today, with some very direct forward play and twisting runs (mainly in the first half). Mason also displayed some great passing ability. However, his impact was limited.

Substitutes  

Paul Pogba: 5 

Pogba was unable to come off the bench and change the game, as fans would have hoped – taking control of the midfield and dictating the tempo of the game. He was on the whole non-existent, despite attempting one or two long-range shots. 

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Jadon Sancho: 6 

Sancho impressed today. He is continually improving, game by game. His direct runs and passing were efficient, and we saw glimpses of the skilful talent that he possesses in an abundance.  

Cristiano Ronaldo: 5 

Ronaldo was ineffective as a substitute today. He lacked service and was forced to drop deep in order to get involved directly in the game.