MANCHESTER United produced a dominant performance today to beat Everton 2-0 at Old Trafford in a Premier League clash.
The win took Manchester United back to third spot in the Premier League table, barely one week after they dropped to fifth.
Everton were fortunate to concede only two goals as United fluffed several opportunities, but Nigeria international Alex Iwobi stood out for the Toffees.
Scott McTominay and substitute Anthony Martial netted for the hosts, but the three points came at a cost as their top scorer Marcus Rashford limped off with what looked like a groin injury late on.
United were on the front foot right from kick-off and had three one-on-one chances against Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Iwobi was also key in preventing an early concession for Everton, making a last-ditch tackle to stop Rashford from scoring.
United went into the break only 1-0 up courtesy of McTominay’s close-range finish in the 36th minute but it should have been a much wider margin against the unusually open Everton side.
Erik ten Hag’s side had 21 shots against Everton, their most on record (since 2003/2004) in the first half of a single Premier League game, and the most by any side in the opening 45 minutes of a match this season, according to Opta statistics.
Everton were more organised in the second half, plugging the wide open gaps behind their defence, but they posed little threat going forward.
United, who had a more modest six shots in the second half, sealed the win in the 71st minute when Rashford set up Martial for a simple finish after Seamus Coleman’s error.
Rashford, who has scored a career-high 28 goals this season, then pulled up with 10 minutes left, leaving United coaches and fans worried.
With the result, United climbed back to third spot, three points ahead of fourth-placed Newcastle United, who face Brentford later today.
Everton are 16th, out of the drop zone only on goal difference.
