Five things we learned as United dig deep to battle past aggressive Everton

3 Mins read

Manchester United dragged themselves into the top four with a hard-fought win at Everton.

Benjamin Sesko’s strike was the difference as United weather a storm at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, emerging with a valuable 1-0 triumph and three points.

Here are five things we learned from the match:

Sesko to the rescue again

United were languishing in the doldrums when their three summer signings combined for a devastating counterattack which, if nothing else, shows they have all absorbed the United DNA. Matheus Cunha launched a lovely long ball to Bryan Mbeumo, who teed up the in-form Benjamin Sesko for his third goal in four games.

It was a thumping finish from a player whose impact from the bench was felt yet again, and the cutting edge he brought to United’s blunt attack shows that he has to be worth his place in the starting lineup against Crystal Palace at the weekend.

The towering Slovenian has long been knocking on the door with many fans feeling aggrieved that he didn’t start tonight at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, and if Michael Carrick overlooks him again on Sunday then questions will have to be asked.

Almost as good as the points

It was on the whole a lifeless performance from United, but almost as significant as Sesko’s goal was the staunch defending at the other end. Everton threw the kitchen sink at the Red Devils, who conceded far too many corners to be comfortable, but their visitors held firm.

It was far from pretty but keeping a clean sheet from the rugby scrums the Toffees staged in Senne Lammens’ six yard box is a huge achievement as United dug in and avoided being bullied out of three points.

It was undoubtedly a team effort, but special mention must go to the young Belgian goalkeeper, who clung onto crosses and got several clearing punches in a distinctly hostile environment.

Out of practice, not well rested

If there’s one silver lining to United’s barren fixture list, with the club out of both domestic cups and without European football, it’s that the players have more time on the training pitch.

Carrick’s side last turned out against West Ham nearly two weeks ago yet played most of tonight’s game looking slow and exhausted. It seems unlikely that the interim head coach is running them into the ground every practice, so he must get to the bottom of why a bunch of players with just four games in February is so devoid of energy.

Yoro fit to fight

Carrick has been remarkably consistent with his team selections since stepping into the dugout but was forced into a change at centre-back with Lisandro Martinez missing through injury.

The Argentine’s return to the treatment table will be a concern for the interim head coach, but Leny Yoro stepped smoothly into his place and looked assured back in the starting XI. The Frenchman has struggled for gametime since Carrick’s arrival, but was defensively solid and looked match-ready and worth his place regardless of injuries elsewhere.

Deep-seated issues

United once again struggled to break down a low block, an issue which has characterised their season. Thrilling displays against Manchester City and Arsenal had the Red Devils playing high-flying teams at their own game, but they looked devoid of ideas against David Moyes’ well-drilled defensive unit.

They weren’t helped by the usually penetrative Amad turning in one of his worst performances in United red, but across the attack and well into midfield there was a dearth of creativity and a return to slow sideways passing and aimless attempts at blockbuster through-balls which yielded next to nothing.

The decisive goal came from a sweeping counterattack rather than a prolonged spell of pressure, which is not a sustainable way forward – but anything would do to get the three points tonight.

Featured image by Carl Recine/Getty Images

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