Manchester United were held back in their pursuit for a top-four finish by a relegation-threatened Everton side after suffering a 1-0 loss at Goodison Park. This game ranks among one of the worst 90 minutes of football we’ve seen United play in their abject season. Every single mistake and error we’ve seen every week were all on display. Here are five things we learned.
PATHETIC PASSing
In the opening few minutes of the game, Harry Maguire’s casual sideways pass to gift Everton a throw-in was a dreadful sign of what’s to come. The only highlight reel to come out of this match was how amateurish United are at passing. The most basic skill to execute in football.
The stats suggest that United dominated the game with 68% possession. However, seeing most of the ball against a team fighting relegation is useless when you can’t string together three passes. No patterns of sustained attacks can be made if a team struggles to play out from the back. The problems also stemmed from overplaying in midfield in tight areas. This enabled Everton to get in and around United and turn the ball over.
Controlling play and setting a high tempo to force the opposition on the back foot were poorly executed. The ball was handed to Everton far too many times. Their defence found it all too easy to keep United at bay. The pathetic passing was a true depiction of the poor attitude Rangnick’s men have displayed throughout this season.
MOVEMENT INEXISTENT
The two teams that came up against each other are fighting for something on opposite ends of the table. Based on intensity and desire alone, it was clear who wanted it more. Out of possession, Everton’s work rate and tenacity put the visitors under pressure to force errors. United were outrun by 10km. Failing to show any urgency or intent to win the ball back is a testament to the weak mentality of this squad.
Even when Everton were being counterattacked, they had enough time to organise themselves. They got back in position as a compact defensive unit due to United’s lack of intent to move forward.
The lack of spark and creativity to create chances in the final third stems from players remaining stagnant and not making any runs inside the box to force the issue. The long line of defensive headers from Everton at the heart of their backline was enough to see out the game. When the final whistle was blown, the exhaustion shown by the players who secured a win through sheer grit and determination proved how much they outworked their opposition.
conceding again
The poor passing proved costly. Gordon’s goal started when Matic was caught in possession after a slow pass from Fred. The three changes to the back four may have destabilised the team’s step-up as there was no defensive shape. Instead of capitalising on an Everton side that’s so frail and devoid of any defensive organisation, United were making basic errors themselves. Gordon was left unmarked as his shot took a massive deflection off Maguire to leave David De Gea wrong-footed. Richarlison had so much freedom on the left flank and was easily able to square the ball as Aaron Wan Bissaka was just jogging towards him.
Richarlison showboating by balancing the ball on his head says it all. It is far too easy coming up against this side. Conceding first is almost a certainty at this point. Expecting a comeback from a team that already lack confidence and desire is an unlikely outcome.
NO ATTACKING POTENCY
Despite Everton earning a lead in the second half, they’ve only kept five clean sheets so United were expected to equalise in the second. However, the final 45 minutes were just as frustrating as the first. With chances in short supply, cohesion and creativity absent.
United don’t have the potency to score against relegation fodder despite the talented players at their disposal. Cristiano Ronaldo was anonymous for large parts of the contest upon his return to the starting line-up. Although he wasn’t receiving any service, he didn’t contribute out of possession and wasn’t able to convert anything from the half-chances he had.
Marcus Rashford also returned after being excluded against Leicester and he had a bright start with two chances on goal. Ultimately, he was denied on both occasions by Pickford and his afternoon ended in frustration once again. Jadon Sancho’s decision making was also questionable and failed to get to the byline on the right-hand side more.
WHO’S TO BLAME NOW?
United have won just 47% of their Premier League games under Rangnick which is their lowest win rate from any manager in the competition. While he certainly hasn’t had the impact everyone would’ve hoped for, this is now another manager who has struggled at this club. So where does the problem lie?
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Rangnick said:
“The players themselves should be eager to play international football, if possible Champions League. In order to qualify for Europe, you have to be able to score in 95 minutes in a game like this.”
“If you don’t score against a team who conceded three goals against Burnley, you can’t expect to get anything out of it”
Rangnick’s quotes after the game
It’s an honest assessment that sums up where the club is at the moment. There is no one on that pitch who truly looks like they’re playing for something. It’s hard to put all the blame on a manager who hasn’t had the chance to bring in aggressive, hungry footballers to suit his high-pressing style of play. Every player on the pitch needs to do some soul-searching and take accountability for the pitiful mistakes they constantly make.