Manchester United showcased a strong comeback following their defeat to Manchester City, securing a 2-0 win against Everton at Old Trafford. Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford converted first-half penalties, with Alejandro Garnacho playing a pivotal role in winning both spot-kicks. Despite some sloppiness in their performance, Manchester United's victory places them within three points of fifth-placed Tottenham. At the same time, Everton's wastefulness in front of goal extended their winless streak to 11 games.
First-half Penalties Seal the Deal
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Alejandro Garnacho's clever play earned Manchester United two first-half penalties.
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Fernandes calmly converted the first penalty, while the second was handed to Rashford, who found the net for the second consecutive game.
Player ratings
Man Utd: Onana (7), Lindelof (6), Varane (7), Dalot (7), Evans (7), Casemiro (5), Mainoo (6), Fernandes (8), Garnacho (8), McTominay (6), Rashford (7).
Subs: Amrabat (6), Kambwala (6), Antony (6).
Everton: Pickford (7), Godfrey (5), Tarkowski (6), Branthwaite (7), Mykolenko (5), Harrison (6), Onana (6), Garner (6), McNeil (7), Doucoure (5), Beto (5).
Subs: Calvert-Lewin (5), Gomes (6), Dobbin (6), Young (6), Chermiti (6).
How did Man Utd punish wasteful Everton?
Manchester United capitalized on Everton's wastefulness, with Garnacho winning both penalties. Sloppy performances from the hosts allowed Everton numerous chances, but they were unable to find the cutting edge in front of goal. Fernandes converted the first penalty after Garnacho's clever footwork, and Rashford successfully took the second, securing Manchester United's victory.
Player of the Match - Alejandro Garnacho
Garnacho's decisive contribution included winning two penalties with skillful footwork and a dancing run into the box. His threat on the break kept Everton's backline on edge throughout the second half, although he couldn't add to the scoresheet.
Fernandes on the Spot - Opta Stats
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Since his Premier League debut in February 2020, Bruno Fernandes has scored the most penalties in the competition (17, level with Mohamed Salah).
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Eleven of Fernandes' penalties have come at Old Trafford, with only Ruud van Nistelrooy (12) scoring more at the ground in the Premier League.
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Alejandro Garnacho won two penalties in a single Premier League game, a feat never achieved by a Manchester United player in the competition.
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Everton's shot conversion rate this season stands at 7.3%, their lowest since records began in 1997-98.
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Everton remains winless in 11 Premier League games, the longest ongoing run in the competition.
These two 😍@MarcusRashford 🤝 @B_Fernandes8#MUFC || #MUNEVE pic.twitter.com/DaUdW5EDBS— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 9, 2024
What's Next?
Manchester United faces Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday, March 17, before returning to Premier League action against Brentford on Saturday, March 30. Everton's next Premier League fixture is against Bournemouth on the same day, kicking off at 3 pm.
Image Source: Multiple agencies
With inputs from Sky Sports
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