Everton midfielder Andros Townsend earned the Toffees a deserved point as they came from behind to draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
United had taken the lead just before half-time. Anthony Martial smashed the ball into the net past Jordan Pickford in the Everton goal. However, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side were undone by a quick counter-attack, which was expertly finished by Townsend to earn Everton a point.
It means United have failed to win at Old Trafford in their last two Premier League games.
Andros Townsend Rescues a Point for Everton at Old Trafford
More Old Trafford Woe for Manchester United
It was another disappointing result and performance from Manchester United at Old Trafford. The draw with Everton means that United have won just once in their last four games in all competitions at Old Trafford.
Last season, United’s problems came at home where they lost six times in the Premier League. After winning their first two Premier League games with a score-lin of nine to one at Old Trafford, United have struggled since.
In particular, going forward United have yet to really click. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer decided to rest Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Pogba after the quick turnaround between matches.
Anthony Martial was perhaps surprisingly brought in on the left-hand side of the front three. He took his chance and scored a fine goal which was his first for Manchester United since February. However, for the most part of the game, United struggled to break down a resolute and determined Everton defence. Edinson Cavani had a header well saved by Pickford. Meanwhile, Jadon Sancho came on as a sub and shot tamely at goal when he should have done better. But with the attacking talent that United has, you would expect more, especially at home. People may blame Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for their recent performances but at some stage, the players have to take more responsibility.
In a game like this, Bruno Fernandes or Paul Pogba should take the game by the scruff of the neck, however, neither was able to do that.
Manchester United Can’t Buy a Clean Sheet at Home
It was another home game for United and another home game without a clean sheet. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have yet to keep a clean sheet at home this season.
Incredibly, the last clean sheet that Manchester United managed at Old Trafford was back in March where they won 1-0 against West Ham United.
The goal conceded against Everton was from their own corner which will frustrate Solskjaer. Fred in particular was at fault. He was outmuscled by Demarai Gray when he should have been stronger or brought him down to stop the counter-attack.
Meanwhile, Luke Shaw was dragged towards the ball instead of tracking the run from Andros Townsend. It was a fine finish from the English midfielder but it was a goal that could have been easily avoided.
They need to start keeping clean sheets at home if they are to have any chance of winning the Premier League title.
Huge Month Ahead for Manchester United
It hasn’t been a great start to the Premier League season for Manchester United. Given the run of fixtures, they would have expected to pick up more points than they have. However, at worst, they will only be three points off the top of the table if Liverpool defeat Manchester City tomorrow.
They do have some tough fixtures coming up, which could make or break their season. Trips to Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur and home clashes against Atalanta in the Champions League and Liverpool are to come in October.
If Manchester United have serious ambitions of winning the title, they simply have to secure at least seven points from those Premier League games. But given the current form and performances that seems unlikely.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs his players to start turning in displays that they are capable of. If they don’t his job could be on the line.
Impressive Display From Injury Hit Everton
It was a very impressive display from Everton. They were well organised, defensively solid, and worked hard for each other. When they had their big chance they took it. They were very good on the counter-attack with the likes of Demarai Gray causing United all sorts of problems.
Given that they were without Richarlison, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Alex Iwobi, Andre Gomes, and Seamus Coleman, Rafael Benitez will be delighted with the performance and to get a point.
Many Everton fans were critical of Benitez’s appointment after his time at Liverpool. However, those critics have been silenced after an impressive start to the season.
Everton fans will be wary though, as they started last season well but faded as the campaign wore on. They will be hoping that they can get their best players back and push for the European spots this season.
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