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Manchester United beat Everton 4-0 in their final pre-season game before the start of the season as Rafael Benitez endured a forgettable visit to Manchester.
As the new Everton boss sat speechless in the United stand, his team were 3-0 down even before the 30th minute. The afternoon turned worse, as the Red Devils put one more past their Premier League counterparts and kept a clean sheet too.
After making key transfers of Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane, United have been touted as the biggest threat to rivals Manchester City in the title race. Well, they did not disappoint in that regard, as they absolutely thrashed Everton at home, producing an impressive performance.
A blistering attack by United resulted in Mason Greenwood opening the scoring early in the ninth minute as he pounced on a mistake by Everton keeper Jordan Pickford. The next two goals came courtesy two set-pieces before the half-hour mark.
Everton had a better second half, but couldn't stop substitute Diogo Dalot from converting in the 94th minute. On that note, here's a look at the five talking points from the game.
#1 Manchester United's investment in a set-piece coach pays off
Manchester United may have been very active in the transfer market, but their best signing might be the appointment of a coach. Set-piece coach Eric Ramsay was scooped up by the Red Devils from Chelsea earlier this summer. The 29-year-old was specifically hired to improve the prowess of the current squad.
The change in approach was evident in the Everton win, as Solskjaer's men scored twice from set-play within the first 30 minutes. A Luke Shaw corner was met by a Harry Maguire, who headed from point-blank range to make it 2-0 for the hosts. Bruno Fernandes then made it 3-0 in the 29th minute through a brilliant free-kick, beating Jordan Pickford from range.
United have transformed into a threatening side from set-piece situations over the past few years. But the arrival of Ramsay could make them world-class from set-piece plays.
Manchester United were also very dominant in aerial play on the night. They hardly lost any aerial battles in their half, and won a lot of loose balls in Everton territory. Dalot's 94th-minute goal came from a lofted cross by Fred from a fairly deep position.
#2 Nemanja Matic and Donny Van de Beek justify United's non-recruitment of a midfielder
It would be fair to say that Nemanja Matic turned back the clock, deployed alongside Donny van de Beek in a double pivot role against Everton on Saturday. The Serbian was key in guarding the back-four and aiding the progression of the ball during the game. Meanwhile, his Dutch teammate played an advanced role, dragging the Everton players out of position.
The red half of Manchester has been calling for a 'number six' for a while now. But with Sancho and Varane's transfers being prioritised above a midfielder's, it is unlikely Old Trafford will witness another high-profile midfield signing this summer.
Matic's line-breaking passes were a joy to watch, as they kept the Everton back-four on their toes for the first 45 minutes before he was replaced by Fred in the second half. The Brazilian also put up a decent showing, helping United keep a clean sheet.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would love more of such performances from Matic and Van de Beek in the new season. United's squad also boasts the likes of Paul Pogba, Fred and Scott McTominay - who are excellent options at the heart of midfield.
#3 Everton suffer because of wasteful finishing
After going down 3-0 against Manchester United in the first half, Everton made a much better start to the second. That was expected as Matic got substituted and Fred was unable to settle quickly, which left a huge void between the United midfield and defence.
But poor finishing and inability to conjure clear-cut chances meant Everton failed to make a game of it. While James Rodriguez was not able to weave his magic in the final third, Demarai Gray hardly touched the ball during his 77 minutes of action, largely due to the lack of supply.
Alex Iwobi particularly underwhelmed. The Nigerian international lost the ball innumerable times during crucial moments of attacking play, and also failed to convert a few chances.
It's evident the blue half of Merseyside is still struggling to adapt to the tactics of Rafael Benitez. That's because under their previous coach Carlo Ancelotti, the team had a different style of play.
Early signs point towards the 2021-22 season being a long one for Everton if Benitez is unable to get this team kicking in the right direction.
#4 Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's substitutions reveal new roles for squad players
With a three-goal cushion going into half-time, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was free to experiment in the second half. But most of his substitutes were very tactically put through. That offered an insight into the future of many squad players in the new season.
The first and most crucial change was Scott McTominay coming in for Harry Maguire. The Scottish international, who played in a back-three for his nation at the Euros this summer, was handed centre-back duties by the gaffer on Saturday. Many pundits think that McTominay's future at United could be off if he dropped back into the defensive line, and that was very evident in the second half against Everton.
Diogo Dalot also came in for Aaron Wan-Bissaka at half-time, but the Portuguese was far better than his English teammate. Making overlapping runs and supporting United's attack on the right wing, Dalot made a case for a first-team spot, thanks to his attacking prowess and defensive discipline.
The Portuguese right-back was even rewarded for his fabulous effort, as he scored United's fourth and last goal of the day. Overall, Solskjaer's substitutions showed that United have good depth going into the new season.
#5 Everton's lack of squad depth is concerning
Despite having a great time with the Three Lions at the Euros, Jordan Pickford was back to his worst in the Everton goal. For that, a lot could be blamed on the Toffees' back-line, especially for the first three goals, but Pickford was certainly culpable for two of the four goals Everton conceded on the night.
Everton missed their key frontmen Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison on Saturday. That proved key, as the visitors couldn't finish off their chances. But what was even more concerning was Everton's poor quality of personnel and disappointing tactics.
Eight of the eleven Everton players on the pitch form part of the first team at Goodison Park. Playing against a Manchester United side that was far from their strongest eleven, Everton were unable to stand tall.
The summer of 2020 brought many stars to Merseyside, but it seems Ancelotti's men may not be the right fit for Benitez. However, considering Benitez's calibre and experience, Everton should settle by the second half of the 2021-22 season.
Meanwhile, Manchester United host perennial rivals Leeds United at Old Trafford in their season opener, while Everton take on Southampton at Goodison Park in the 2021-22 EPL, which begins next weekend.
