Frustrating draws at Old Trafford have dotted Manchester United’s season but top four was once again in sight. Team selection of United confused a lot of supporters with Mkhitaryan and Martial both on the bench and Valencia off the playing team.
The match started on a high note with increasing tempo. Ander Herrera and Ibrahimovic looked sharp on their returns but the early goal went to Everton after a really shabby defending from United and Phil Jagielka capitalised to put the ball in the net. United launched waves and waves of attack and finally, due to a handball from Ashley Williams, Zlatan equalised at four minutes past ninety in extra time.
Another draw at Old Trafford for Jose and yet another unsatisfactory result. Here’s how the Red Devils are rated:-
GK: David De Gea – 4/10
Heavily at fault for not coming off the line and taking the ball but he stood there and Jagielka scored. This fault alone has had a huge impact on the outcome. Pretty much unused throughout, though.
RB: Ashley Young – 5/10
Tried until he stayed on the pitch but the final product was zero absolutely. His aggressiveness needs to be toned down a bit. United really missed Valencia and Young didn’t step up. Set-piece deliveries were poor as well.
CB: Eric Bailly – 7.5/10
His movement and physicality is absolutely adorable and simply impressive. He and Rojo together dealt with Everton’s counter attempts terrifically well.
CB: Marcos Rojo – 8/10
De Gea didn’t help him out when Jagielka scored but Rojo was magnificent in the defence tonight. His interceptions and reading ability were spot on and he kept Lukaku from posing any serious danger apart from the runs on the counter. Terrific!
LB: Daley Blind – 4.5/10
Failed to have the desired impact and was subbed off during half-time.
CM: Ander Herrera – 7/10
An absolute engine! His box to box play helped United immensely today and his defensive interceptions too were tidy and effective. Solid on the return.
CM: Michael Carrick – 6/10
Clean in the midfield as usual but United needed an attacking change and Henrikh Mkhitaryan came on for him after halftime.
FW: Marouane Fellaini – 5.5/10
Played much like a forward rather than a midfielder. He was a disappointment today. Although he proved to be an aerial threat, his finish was of low quality and he couldn’t muster an effort with his head either. He really needs to be consistent.
FW: Marcus Rashford – 6/10
His ability to turn and deceive opponents as well as lure them with his pace is remarkable but he needs to quit running every time and merge well with team-mates for something productive. He tried a lot of things in vain today.
FW: Jesse Lingard – 5/10
Inconsistent. He was a major threat vs West Brom but today he hardly made any effective contributions.
ST: Zlatan Ibrahimovic – 7/10
Hold up play and ball control was brilliant today. His headed goal during half-time saw flag go up for offside. However his patience and hard work was rewarded as he struck the equaliser from the penalty spot deep in stoppage time. The unbeaten run lives on due to his calmness.
