Despite appointing Ruben Amorim as the new manager, Manchester United’s nightmare continued as they suffered back-to-back Premier League defeats against Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur before their trip to Everton’s Goodison Park. The Red Devils endured a disastrous start, falling 2-0 behind by half-time.
However, Manchester United staged an incredible comeback, thanks to a magnificent free-kick from captain Bruno Fernandes that reduced the deficit in the second half. Moments later, a stunning strike from Manuel Ugarte restored parity, and a dramatic late VAR decision overturned Everton’s penalty, resulting in a thrilling 2-2 draw.
Manchester United Player Ratings vs Everton
Andre Onana: 6
The Cameroonian goalkeeper had another below-par performance, failing to stop Jack Harrison’s initial strike before Doucoure’s goal. However, he made a great save to deny the Malian forward from scoring his second midway through the second half.
Noussair Mazraoui: 6
The Moroccan defender, who started in the three-man backline due to injuries to Lisandro Martinez, Jonny Evans, and Luke Shaw, was rusty with his tackles but made some crucial clearances and interceptions to deal with Everton’s direct play.
Harry Maguire: 5.5
The English center-back was part of United’s collective failure during Everton’s opener. He should have done better to clear the ball initially, leading to a series of failed clearance attempts before Beto’s close-range finish.
Matthijs de Ligt: 5.5
The Dutch defender also struggled against Everton’s aerial and physical presence, with his positioning and poor touches hindering United’s ability to play out from the back. However, he was relieved when VAR overturned the on-field referee’s initial penalty decision against him in injury time.
Diogo Dalot: 6
The Portuguese full-back had little impact down the flank, losing duels and offering little with his overlapping runs. The lack of options on the bench forced manager Amorim to stick with Dalot throughout the match.
Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes celebrates his goal” width=”2048″ height=”1366″ data->Casemiro: 5.5
The Brazilian midfielder’s lack of pace and work rate never allowed United to build the game up from deep, as former Red Devil James Garner demonstrated Casemiro’s waning powers. Casemiro was replaced by Alejandro Garnacho around the hour mark.
Manuel Ugarte: 7.5
The combative Uruguayan midfielder was a standout performer, engaging in crucial duels and challenges, closing down space in the center of the pitch, and capping his display with a blistering strike that earned United a vital point.
Patrick Dorgu: 7
The winter recruit was the only United player who looked purposeful with his marauding runs, crosses, and cut-ins during the first half, but he could not replicate his performance in the second half.
Bruno Fernandes: 8.5
The United captain was largely ineffective until his sublime second-half free-kick that brought his team back into the game. Fernandes led by example, orchestrating a dramatic comeback on the road.
Rasmus Hojlund: 5
The Danish striker had another dreadful outing, completely outmuscled by Everton’s defenders and failing to test the goalkeeper. He was replaced by teenage forward Chido Obi shortly before Fernandes’ goal.
Joshua Zirkzee: 5.5
The young Dutch striker struggled physically against Everton’s backline but tried his best with his off-the-ball work rate and build-up play.
Manchester United Substitutes vs Everton
- Alejandro Garnacho: 7.5 – Injected pace and tricky footwork in and around the attacking third.
- Leny Yoro: 7 – Showed composure in the closing minutes as the game opened up due to United’s desperate search for an equalizer.
- Chido Obi: 6.5 – The teenager made crucial contributions in the final stages, demonstrating his potential for the future.
Takeaway: Despite a shaky start, Manchester United displayed remarkable resilience and character to salvage a point against Everton. The Red Devils’ fighting spirit, led by the inspirational performances of Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte, will give the team and their new manager Ruben Amorim a much-needed confidence boost as they look to turn their season around.
