Manchester United got back to winning ways as Anthony Martial’s sensational second-half strike proved to be the difference in their 2-1 victory against Everton on Sunday.
Paul Pogba had given the hosts the lead after he tapped home the rebound when his penalty was saved by Jordan Pickford in the first-half. Martial, who struck twice in last week’s 2-2 draw at Chelsea, found the back of the net again when Pogba turned creator as the 22-year-old unleashed a curling effort into the bottom right-hand corner.
Gylfi Sigurdsson reduced the deficit after Everton were awarded a penalty but the Red Devils held on at Old Trafford for a deserved win.
Here are our United player ratings from Sunday’s clash:
David De Gea – No chance to save the penalty but played a crucial role to divert Bernard wide of the goal when the score was 2-0. 6
Ashley Young – Not his best display but got the job done. Contributed when going forward while he was also strong defensively, jointly leading United with two interceptions. 6
Chris Smalling – Exposed at times especially when Everton were on the counter-attack. Got a needless yellow card in the first-half while his poor challenge to give away the penalty summed up his performance. 4
Victor Lindelof – The Swede fared well against Juventus in mid-week and produced another decent defensive display that would have pleased Jose Mourinho. 6
Luke Shaw – Stopped any danger that came his way, keeping Theo Walcott quiet, while he also got forward in what was another confident display from the England left-back. 6
🤝 @PaulPogba x @AnthonyMartial #MUFC #MUNEVE pic.twitter.com/mH9JSuB5Rg
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 28, 2018
Fred – The Brazilian didn’t have any real attacking opportunities but linked up with play in the middle of the park to keep the play flowing and his energy helped get United on the front foot. 7
Nemanja Matic – Was caught for space at times but stuck to his task of keeping Richarlison and Sigurdsson quiet, even if it meant a yellow card. 6
Paul Pogba – One of the Frenchman’s best displays for United this season. Gave the hosts the lead, even if it was a poor penalty, but bombed forward at every attacking opportunity. Provided the assist for Martial although he was at fault for conceding the penalty by initially giving the ball away. 7
Juan Mata – Another consistent performance from the Spaniard. Playing on the right-wing, created opportunities and caused Everton problems. 6
Marcus Rashford – Recalled to the starting XI, the youngster occupied the centre-forward position and kept the Everton defence busy. Should have found the net at least once but it was a positive showing from the England international. 6
Anthony Martial – Another game, another big impact. The 22-year-old is justifying his selection by showing his potential once again. Lively on the wing by dipping in crosses in the danger area, the Frenchman proved he can also be prolific in front of goal with a sensational curling solo strike. 8
SUBS:
Romelu Lukaku – Came on just after the hour and kept Everton’s defence occupied, but his goal-scoring instinct was once again lacking, failing to connect with a header. 6
Ander Herrera – Replaced Juan Mata but there was little for him to do in the last minutes apart from patrol the midfield. 6
Jesse Lingard – On for Fred in what was a cameo appearance in stoppage time. N/A
