Report: Manchester United 3-1 Everton – Reds start FA Cup campaign with a win
Manchester United continued on with their good recent form to progress to the next round of the cup. Marcus Rashford was the star yet again as he set up an opener for Antony, forced Conor Coady into an own goal and netted a late penalty. They have started 2023 well but know they can play better.
It was yet another disappointment for the away side though. Lampard is under increasing pressure over their results in the league and this was another blow. They impressed in spells, and landed a shock equaliser, but were unable to hang on in the end. His future will be decided on how they perform next.
Erik ten Hag made four changes from their win over Bournemouth on Tuesday. The leg injury Donny van de Beek meant he was missing. Antony came in for him. Tyrell Malacia, Raphael Varane and Diego Dalot all started in defence. They replaced Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Frank Lampard also made four changes from their home defeat to Brighton. The injury to Nathan Patterson meant Seamus Coleman came in. Tom Davies, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Dwight McNeil all dropped to the bench to be replaced by Ben Godfrey, Amadou Onana and Neal Maupay.
Given Everton’s position, it was crucial they started well. They were behind within the first few minutes though. Marcus Rashford showing his renewed confidence by standing up Ben Godfrey out wide and then skipping past him. He rolled the ball into the six yard area where Antony had the simple task of tapping home. He almost had a chance for a second after a lovely flick by Bruno Fernandes. He was just stopped on this occasion though.
Rashford was again at it creating a chance for Christian Eriksen. The midfielder’s effort was before it came out to Casemiro. He shot wide on the rebound. Everton’s best chance was a shot out of nothing by Demarai Gray. His snapshot struck the post from outside the area and went just wide.
Everton did draw themselves level through an error by David de Gea. Amadou Onana won the ball and laid it off to Neal Muapay who’s shot seemed to catch the United netminder unawares and resulted in only fumbling it out to Conor Coady who tapped home. It appeared the keeper believed it was going out and was unable to react in time.
United almost regained their lead after Rashford fed Anthony Martial. Only a smart save from Jordan Pickford stopped the Frenchman. He then was denied by a block from James Tarkowski.
United were finding it harder to get in behind the visitors and were guilty of some sloppy passes and opponents not being closed down as before. The frustration showed with a booking for Fernandes for a late tackle. Pickford did well to deal with a shot from distance by Rashford that bounced up in front of him before palming it away from danger. Eriksen almost caught Pickford out just before the break but his strike from outside the area went just over.
Everton were dealt a blow at the start of the second-half when Alex Iwobi seemed to twist his ankle in a challenge with Tyrell Malacia. It was to get worse for them moments later. Rashford again was the dangerman as he took Seamus Coleman to the by-line before charging past him to stick in another threatening cross. Coady was unable to get his body shape in time before scoring an own goal. Antony almost landed a third, but he shot straight at Pickford.
United were now beginning to exert a firm grip on the game and Fernandes started pulling the strings. He set up an opportunity for Antony before his dipping shot from 30 yards forced Pickford into yet another save.
Everton thought they had drawn level when Dominik Calvert-Lewin stole ahead of Malacia to head home from Gray’s cross. It was ruled out by VAR after they adjudged that Gray had been offside when he was played in by Coleman. United tried to put the game to bed by bringing on more defensive players to see it out. Rashford almost secured the win via a free kick that Pickford had to tip over before Godfrey needed an excellent tackle to deny him in full flow.
He would not be denied his goal though. Alejandro Garnacho was taken down in the box by Godfrey. Rashford stepped up with a delayed run-up before slotting his England colleague.
Into the fourth round and they will find their opponents in Monday’s draw. Next up is Charlton in the League Cup during the week before a Manchester Derby at home on the 14th of January at 12,30. It is a good time to be a United fan, but bigger challenges loom ahead. Everton, meanwhile, face a crucial relegation six pointer against Southampton next Saturday.
Manchester Utd: David De Gea; Diego Dalot, Raphael Varane, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia (Lisandro Martinez 76), Carlos Casemiro (Fred 70), Cristian Eriksen (Harry Maguire 83), Bruno Fernandes; Antony (Scott McTominay 83), Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial (Alejandro Garnacho 70)
Subs not used: Tom Heaton, Victor Lindelof, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Anthony Elanga
Booked: Bruno Fernandes (28)
Sent off: None.
Everton: Jordan Pickford; Seamus Coleman (Anthony Gordon 81), Ben Godfrey, Conor Coady, James Tarkowski, Vitaliy Mykolenko (Dwight McNeil 81), Alex Iwobi (Abdoulaye Doucoure 51), Idrissa Gueye, Amadou Onana; Neal Maupay (Dominic Calvert-Lewin 69), Demarai Grey
Subs not used: Mason Holgate, Yerry Mina, Asmir Begovic, Tom Davies, Ellis Simms
Booked: Ben Godfrey (60), Abdoulaye Doucoure (66), Amadou Onana (87)
Sent off: None.
Referee: Darren England
Attendance: 72,306
Player of the Match: Marcus Rashford
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