Manchester United regained the sanctuary of fifth spot from West Ham United, as Anthony Martial’s 54th-minute strike gave them a 1-0 victory in a low-key game over Everton. The result keeps United one point short of rivals Manchester City in fourth, with United having seven league games left in the season.
The encounter will be remembered more for the pre-match ceremony, which saw the South Stand at Old Trafford renamed as the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand after Sir Bobby Charlton who represented the club from 1955 to 1973. He was a survivor of the 1958 Munich air disaster and was part of the side which won their first European Cup in 1968.
We look at the five talking points that shaped up a game which won’t last long in the memory :
Everton’s defence is worrying
Everton have been a side full of goals, but there’s a reason they still languish in mid-table – their appalling defence. The concession of the goal was an example of the same – as Seamus Coleman failed to deal with a Timothy Fosu-Mensah cross that didn’t really fizz across the penalty area.
His mistake was well pounced upon by Anthony Martial, who promptly slotted the ball off goalkeeper Joel Robles’ feet and into the back of the net. They were also being stretched by Matteo Darmian and Timothy Fosu-Mensah on the wings.
Manager Roberto Martinez will have to do some serious work regarding their back-four if they have to challenge for the European places next season.
Romelu Lukaku frustrated by Daley Blind
Before the game began, all the focus was on who would triumph between Chris Smalling and Everton’s in-form striker Romelu Lukaku. However, it was Blind who earned the plaudits as he expertly kept Lukaku at bay with his perfect reading of the game.
He anticipated Lukaku’s imminent movements despite being shrugged off by the Belgian’s strength – allowing him to win possession back and preventing Lukaku from carving out a meaningful shot at goal.
Blind was aware that the Everton midfield would try serving Lukaku as early as possible, making sure that all doors were closed down for him. In the end, David de Gea didn’t have to face a shot from the 22-year-old.
Timothy Fosu-Mensah’s introduction livens Manchester United up
Following a lacklustre first-half display by Marcos Rojo – he was getting constantly beaten for pace and skill by Gerard Deulofeu on the flanks – Van Gaal rung the changes and introduced young Tim Fosu-Mensah at right back, shifting Darmian to the left.
The move worked as he linked up very well with Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata to help United force the issue up front. His liveliness gave just that extra edge to United, who didn’t create too many goal-scoring opportunities when Rojo was on the field.
He provided the assist for the decisive goal, which will boost his confidence immensely. Defensively he was brilliant too, making an excellent clearance in the 86th minute to stop the ball from reaching Kevin Mirallas, who would have been able to slot the ball into an empty net.
Phil Jagielka thwarted twice
Everton came closest to scoring on a couple of occasions, both off their veteran defender Phil Jagielka. First, a thunderous header from a corner came back off the crossbar after De Gea was beaten.
Later, he smashed a loose ball following a corner from around 8 yards – which was well saved by David de Gea. A frustrating afternoon for the Englishman.
United’s defensive record at home could propel them to the Champions League
Manchester United have now conceded just 7 times in 15 league games at Old Trafford this season. Their remaining four home games – against Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, Leicester and Bournemouth – should give them, at least, three more wins with clean sheets.
If they can get maximum points out of their remaining fixtures at Old Trafford, they could well see themselves pip City to the final Champions League spot. With City having Champions League commitments as well, United have a great opportunity of finishing a disappointing campaign on a high.
The return of key players from injury is another morale boost for Louis van Gaal.
