Solksjaer's Mistake: Reviewing Man Utd's Game As They Drew 1-1 To Dominant Everton

 Game Review As United Draw To Everton

-Samarth Purohit

-Editor: Mitansh Kagalwala

Andros Townsend copies Ronaldo's iconic "Siuu" celebration after scoring the equalizer 
Photo Via: independent.co.uk

Man United were lucky to come away with a draw against an Everton side who outclassed their superstars all over the pitch. Everton arguably should have won, with a goal correctly disallowed for offside, but Man United, with their expensively assembled squad, should never have faced difficulty, with several Everton players out injured. Here's what we made of it: 

Defence:

With both full backs, AWB and Luke Shaw playing relatively offensive pressing positions, Man United's defence was carried greatly by Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof. Varane put up a commendable performance, ensuring the strongest defence musterable by the red side. While Victor Lindelof did what was expected of him, the absence of Harry Maguire in the centre back position led to a visibly weaker defensive unit. Comparatively, Everton had a much stronger defence, with most of the defenders and defensive midfielders often retreating back into the box in times of need. Everton further did not play with an extremely offensive oriented style, which helped them keep things compact and stable, and ensure United didn't get more than a single goal on them.

 

Midfield:

While the Everton midfield, marshalled by the brilliant Doucoure,  did what could be asked from them, quickly ensuring their strikers could get the ball and falling back effectively, Man United's midfield issues cost them the win, with Fred being practically bullied away from the ball by Demarai Gray, who is half his size, for the goal. United’s shortcomings in midfield was the major reason Everton were able to equalize the way they did. Manchester United has a serious issue with the quality of their defensive midfielders, and if not rectified, will prove to be the final nail in the coffin for any title hopes the Red Devils may have.

 

Attack: 

Manchester United maintained heavy offensive control throughout the match. However, this proved to be in vain as they were seldom able to deliver on these opportunities created. The core issue seems to be a sense of selfishness with the team, as other than Bruno Fernandes and to a smaller extent, Jadon Sancho and AWB, it seems the entire squad involved with offensive pushes was trying to score by themselves, and it was this lack of cohesive unity as a team that cost Manchester United their 3 points. Even bringing on Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t help. Can this be blamed solely on the manager? Perhaps, but it also seems that an ego struggle will develop in the squad if Ole is not able to make them work together. Some excuse may be given since this squad is relatively new and doesn't have much time playing together, but these excuses can't suffice for the red devils.

 

Moving Forward: 

Manchester United has some difficult fixtures ahead of them, and the coming month or two will decide not just the fate of their title hopes, but also of their management, with OGS coming under heavy flak as of late. Benching Ronaldo against Everton didn't help his case either. If United play as they did against Everton, in which they were completely dominated by a side rampaged by injuries, and arguably deserved to lose, they will not even come close to the expectations set out for them at the start of the season.


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