Manchester United player ratings from 2-0 victory over Everton

Manchester United recorded a record 41st Premier League victory over Everton today thanks to two first half penalties dispatched by first Bruno Fernandes and then Marcus Rashford. 

In a match short of quality, Manchester United had the fast feet of Alejandro Garnacho to thank as the Madrid-born Argentine won both penalties.

United looked comfortable throughout, despite Everton’s high shot count and saw the game out to collect an important three points as they look to put themselves back in the hunt for the Champions League places. 

Here are the player ratings:

André Onana (8/10)

Andre Onana continued his fine form and dealt with everything Eveton threw his way. He snuffed out an early chance for Godfrey bravely diving at his feet. Onana’s distribution was solid and he came to fetch crosses well.

Diogo Dalot (7/10)

A solid outing for one of United’s best players this season. He completed his defensive duties capably and was as usual a great outlet for his goalkeeper and centre halves.

Jonny Evans (7/10)

United’s veteran defender was calm at the heart of the defence. Evans made a smart double block late on and was in general untroubled by Everton. Left the field to a standing ovation in the 88th minute to be replaced Willy Kambwala.

Raphael Varane (8/10)

Raphael Varane calmly handled Beto and then Dominic Calvert-Lewin when needed and guided the make-shift back four to a comfortable victory. Made an important block from Dwight McNeil on the stroke of half-time.

Victor Lindelöf (7/10)

Defensively sound and will likely play out the remainder of the season on the left. While he will never offer the same attacking impetus his decision making in possession was excellent and didn’t waste a pass. He is looking more and more comfortable at left back.

Kobbie Mainoo (6/10)

Mainoo has tidy feet which enable to get out of tight situations but he was a bit casual in attacking positions today. Should have crossed for a free McTominay in the 16th minute but was caught dawdling in possession. Quieter than usual and was replaced by Sofyan Amrabat after 80 minutes.

Casemiro (6/10)

Shaky in the first 5 minutes and relinquished possession 3 times but Everton were unable to punish his errors. His influence grew as the game progressed and he broke up play well on occasion. Casemiro is always a threat from set pieces but he is looking more of an unsettling influence than ever before. He’ll need to up his game massively for the cup tie with Liverpool next week.

Bruno Fernandes (8/10)

Kept his head to firmly tuck his penalty away exceptionally well despite an inexplicable delay for a VAR check. Fernandes can still be wasteful from open play but must be commended for his performance today as he was undoubtedly the best United midfielder today.

Scott McTominay (6/10)

Got on very little ball in the opening exchanges. There are limits to McTominay’s game especially with his distribution and his weight of pass and decision making was once again lacking - but he offered what he could. Picked up a booking for a clumsy tackle in the 69th minute.

Alejandro Garnacho (8/10)

Won two first half penalties in the 10th minute and almost won a third as Mikolenko’s handball was waved away. Garnacho was unlucky not have scored a goal of his own and in the absence of Hojlund is emerging as the attacking focal point. Taking on a lot of responsibility and his decision making needs improvement but it is tgetting better with each game. Tired towards the end and was replaced in the 83rd minute by Anthony.

Marcus Rashford (7/10)

He finished his penalty with confidence in the 35th minute. Rashford put in the hard yards both offensively and defensively against Everton and goals in successive games will hopefully see an uptick in confidence.

Substitutes:

Sofyan Amrabat  (N/A)

His 10 minute cameo was certainly better than that against Manchester City. Didn’t put a foot wrong.

Anthony (N/A)

Anthony came in for Garnacho in the 83rd minute with the game won. 

Willy Kambwala (N/A)

Introduced for Jonny Evans and went to right back for the final few minutes.

Manager:

Erik ten Hag (7/10)

Playing split strikers worked well and both Rashford and Garnacho had plenty of space to exploit and were it not for some indecisiveness United could have added to their 2-0 first half lead. Ten Hag trusted Lindelof at left back again today and clearly ordered his midfielders to get closer to the Swede, making his moments in possession more comfortable which allowed United to more easily bypass a feeble Everton press. Once again United allowed a staggering number of shots on their goal but few were genuine opportunities. Given the injury situation, this is the best 11 that the United manager can field and there were fewer gaps between defence and midfield.

Man of the Match - Alejandro Garnacho

In a game of little quality Alejandro Garnacho produced two wonderful moments of fleet-footedness to fool first James Tarkowski and then Ben Godfrey into coughing up penalties. Those moments were the winning of the match for United and they were able to see out the rest of the game quite comfortably. He wasted a couple of opportunities when in on goal when better decision making could have made the result even more comfortable. Garnacho started his 25th game in a row for United against Everton and is now surely one of the first names on the team sheet.