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In an encounter that could have turned out in so many different ways, Manchester United came out on top to register their 3rd win at Old Trafford this season. Though both teams created several chances, United had more clear-cut chances. If Everton showed a little more quality in the final third, the result could have been very different.
Paul Pogba put Manchester United ahead 27th minute, rebounding home from a botched attempt. United kept attacking and applying pressure on the Toffees and they had no choice but to relent as Martial whipped a beauty into the far corner after Pogba found him in space.
The Red Devils were lucky to not concede immediately as Bernard rounded David de Gea to only find the side netting after Everton split the United defence open with some intelligent movement in the final third.
Sigurdsson scored from the spot to drag the Merseysiders back into the game after Chris Smalling executed a low-key drop kick on the fleet-footed Richarlison. United defended for dear life in the final quarter of the match and survived the late scare with a smile on their face.
Anyway, let's take a look at the 3 reasons why Manchester United got the win over Everton at Old Trafford.
#3 Manchester United ride their luck
Anthony Martial hit the turf in the 26th minute and won United the penalty. Idrissa Gana Gueye got a bit of the ball but there was a fair amount of contact too. It could have gone either way and United were fortunate to have been awarded the penalty.
In the second half, Bernard squandered Everton's best chance of the game. He went past de Gea but failed to hit the target with the goal gaping. Marco Silva wasn't impressed.
#2 Manchester United benefiting from settling down
Jose Mourinho looks to have finally chanced upon the right combination for United. There were a couple of changes as Fred came into the midfield at the expense of the misfiring Romelu Lukaku.
When Pogba and Mata are given the freedom to run the show, Manchester United are an exciting watch and the Theatre of Dreams did not hold back in showing their appreciation as exciting passages of play- a bit of a rare thing at Trafford these days- unfolded thanks to the understanding that this particular group of players share with each other.
Pogba set up Martial for United's second goal of the night and would have bagged another assist had Romelu Lukaku decided not to waste a great opportunity to head home after he was found in space inside the area.
Marcus Rashford, Pogba and Martial were all guilty of missing gilt-edged chances though. However, the positive thing for United is that they are creating a lot of chances now and they have the quality to rattle defences. Hence, Mourinho should persist with Pogba, Mata, Martial and Rashford.
#1 Anthony Martial is taking no prisoners
He would obviously be disappointed for wasting a golden chance to grab a brace in the dying embers of the game but giving Martial an extended stint in the starting XI seems to be paying dividends and then some for Jose Mourinho.
Martial's goal was a treat to watch. An exquisite shot from outside the box, engineered to absolute perfection and affording Jordan Pickford no chance. Martial, who shies away from taking defenders on when he's low on confidence is truly looking like a different player now.
His trickery is forcing defenders to backpedal and is helping United immensely in the final third. Martial is a mercurial talent and United should get him to sign a contract as soon as they can because this boy is special
