Everton 1-2 Manchester United: Four Things We Learned From Comeback Win

Manchester United came back from behind to win all three points in back-to-back games, ending Everton’s seven-match unbeaten run.

Alex Iwobi’s stunning strike from distance sent home fans into a frenzy in the opening minutes, but the Red Devils, unlike their clash against Brentford and Manchester City, didn’t falter on the road and quickly found their way back into the game through Antony.

Just before the break, Cristiano Ronaldo slotted home Casemiro’s through ball to put United ahead. The 700th club goal of the Portuguese’s career also proved to be the winner after the visitors held onto their slender lead despite Everton’s late charge.

Here’s what we learned from a crucial league win for United on the back of the derby day humbling.

1. Casemiro’s comeback

The Brazilian’s performance arc in his first league start for United influenced the scoreline of the game more than any other player at Goodison Park.

The 30-year-old’s struggles while receiving the ball with his back to the goal allowed Amadou Onana to snatch the ball for Iwobi’s opener. But Casemiro displayed his experience and recovered quickly from his error and grew into the game as the half progressed.

Minutes before the end of the first 45 minutes, he expertly dispossessed Iwobi and played Ronaldo through on goal for the match-winning goal. His physicality and positional awareness came in handy when United dropped deep to defend their lead in the second half.

The former Real Madrid man was named Man of the Match for his impactful display.

2. Three in Three

The Merseyside clash was certainly dominated by the Brazilians. Antony brought United level with an excellent left-footed finish in the 15th minute.

With the leveller against Everton, the young Brazilian became the first-ever Red Devil to score in his first three Premier League outings.

Not only did Antony start the comeback, but also helped the United defence to see out the game with his disciplined positioning and anticipation. Erik ten Hag made sure to acknowledge the winger’s contribution without the ball in his post-match press conference.

3. Prolific but injury-prone

Anthony Martial was handed his first start of the season. The Frenchman had to wait until October for the opportunity not because of his form but his injury record. In fact, in his limited minutes under Ten Hag, Martial has had hands in five goals this season.

He was on song against Everton as well, assisting Antony’s equaliser, but had to be content with little action yet again, as an injury forced him off before the half-hour mark.

The United boss highlighted Martial’s importance earlier this month and has used the France international’s services ahead of Ronaldo whenever he’s been available. But reoccurring injury issues might force him to depend on the 37-year-old more often.

4. 700 for the number 7

Ronaldo reached the much-awaited landmark of 700 club career goals on Sunday with a low finish past Jordan Pickford.

The Portuguese got a rare first-half appearance in the league after Martial’s injury and made sure to make the most of the opportunity by scoring the goal that sealed the win for his side.

The influence of the strike might not be limited to just this historic achievement and three points, but could further help the veteran to regain his confidence in front of the net.