Bruno Fernandes impressed again while David de Gea’s howler hurt Manchester United as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Everton on Sunday at Goodison Park.
The game was off to the worst possible start for Manchester United as they were behind within three minutes when Dominic Calvert-Lewin charged down and blocked David de Gea’s kick, diverting the ball into the net. However, the Red Devils recovered from this horror start and managed to level up through Bruno Fernandes’ strike from distance at the half-hour mark.
Both teams tried hard for the winning goal in the second half. Jordan Pickford pulled off a stunning save to deny Odion Ighalo in the dying stages to save Everton while VAR came to Manchester United’s rescue, chalking off Calvert-Lewin’s injury-time goal for offside as Gylfi Sigurdsson was deemed to be interfering with play despite not making contact with the ball.
A dramatic afternoon ends all square at Goodison Park.#MUFC #EVEMUN
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 1, 2020
In a week when fellow top-four competitors Chelsea had dropped points and Tottenham Hotspur also lost, Manchester United failed to make the most of the situation. Here’s how we rated the performances of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men at Goodison Park.
David de Gea: 5/10
Kicked things off in the worst possible manner as he dilly-dallied on the ball for way too long to allow Calvert-Lewin to close him down and score the opening goal. Redeemed himself with a fine stop to deny the Englishman soon after and pulled off another good save to keep Gylfi Sigurdsson out in the second half. But, cost Manchester United crucial points with his early error.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka: 6/10
The Manchester United right-back was his usual solid self defensively against Everton. Showed good intent to try and get forward in the first period, but was very restrained after the half-time break, depriving the Red Devils’ of width in attack on the right-side.
Victor Lindelof: 5/10
Having endured a horrific outing on his last visit to Goodison Park, Lindelof tried to set the tempo early on with a strong challenge on Richarlison. But, the Swede had his fair share of problems thereafter as he found it difficult to cope with the pace and movement of the Everton forwards. Booked.
Harry Maguire: 6.5/10
Much like his defensive partner, the Manchester United captain also had a few issues dealing with Everton’s two-pronged strikeforce. But, Maguire was a strong force in the air, dealing with anything that the Toffees put into the box. Comfortable with the ball at his feet again, as he strode forward confidently on a number of occasions.
Luke Shaw: 7/10
Another strong showing from the full-back, who continues to go from strength to strength with every passing game. Showed good energy to run up and down the left flank and was good at both ends of the pitch. Will have made a solid impression on England manager Gareth Southgate, who was in attendance at Goodison Park.
Nemanja Matic: 7/10
Sitting at the base of the diamond midfield formation, the Serb helped his team settle down and control things better after their bizarre start. Came close to equalising with a rasping hit that bounced off the woodwork, before drawing a save from Jordan Pickford.
Then, got the assist for Manchester United’s equaliser. Might force the club into considering offering him an extension on recent form.
Scott McTominay: 6/10
Making his first Premier League start since the Boxing Day, the Scotsman was his usual energetic self, running up and down the field, but did not make much of an impact on the proceedings. Seemed to grow leggy with time, perhaps the after-effects of his recent injury, and was withdrawn in the second period.
Fred: 7.5/10
Another positive performance from the Brazilian international, who has become the beating heart of this Manchester United side. Was the connecting link between the two halves of the pitch for Solskjaer’s side and tried to create opportunities with his forward passes. Needs a bit more polishing on his end product, though.
Bruno Fernandes: 8/10
Once again the influence of Fernandes over the proceedings cannot be overstated. Did lose possession at times, but the 25-year-old was Manchester United’s biggest creative threat, with most things positive that they created coming through him.
Fernandes got his first goal from open play for Manchester United to reinstate parity. Did fade a bit after the break, but still the brightest player in a red shirt on the field.
Bruno Fernandes has been directly involved in more shots (24) in the Premier League than any other player since his Man Utd debut:
⬡ 16 shots
⬡ 8 chances created
⬢ 2 goals
⬢ 2 assistsAnd no player has been directly involved in more goals. pic.twitter.com/UPAr4N2CjD
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) March 1, 2020
Mason Greenwood: 6/10
Back into the starting XI after being benched for the midweek clash, the 18-year-old looked bright in parts, showing good movement and link-up. But, Greenwood never really managed to pose a major threat to the Everton backline. Had a chance in the first period, but headed over. Subbed off for Odion Ighalo.
Anthony Martial: 6/10
The Frenchman, back from a thigh injury that had ruled him out against Club Brugge, did not always get the best of service on the day, but still worked hard to try and make things happen. Lacked a bit of the sharpness that has been visible in recent matches, perhaps still carrying the knock.
Substitutes
Odion Ighalo: 5/10
Replaced Greenwood in the 70th minute. Almost won it for Manchester United, but was denied by a fine save from Pickford.
Juan Mata: 5/10
Thrown on in place of McTominay with twenty minutes on the clock. Failed to carve out openings for Manchester United apart from the chance he fashioned for Fernandes.
Brandon Williams: N/A
Came on to replace Martial late in the game.
