Manchester United were held to a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park, on an afternoon to forget for the goalkeepers. Everton took a surprise lead after just three minutes, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin punishing the lackadaisical David De Gea, by deflecting the Spaniard's kick into the United net.
Despite the setback, the away side looked the more threatening, and were gifted a way back into game thanks to another keeping mistake -- Jordan Pickford this time failing to deal with a long-range Bruno Fernandes effort. With the game poised at 1-1 heading into added time, Everton were denied a dramatic winner after a VAR intervention -- much to the frustration of the home fans. The draw takes United to within three points of the top four, after a game that both managers will see as a missed opportunity.
Positives
The standout performer for United today was of course Fernandes, who yet again proved his worth with a fine long-range strike, just when United needed it most.
That said, another man worthy of praise is surely Nemanja Matic. The powerful Serbian dominated in the centre of the park, winning the ball back with ease, while playing a number of excellent passes to more advanced teammates. After recent speculation over his future at the club, it would have been easy for his effort and performance levels to both take a hit --but on the evidence, he is still fully committed to the cause.
Negatives
Another goalkeeping mistake from De Gea will have many at United worried after an uncharacteristically mistake-prone season. The Spaniard has now made seven errors in the Premier League that have directly led to goals -- errors that may well cost United Champions League football at the end of the season. Another frustration for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be the amount of possession time United had without punishing their opponents. The visitors dominated the ball but were unable to create a sufficient amount of goal-scoring chances.
Manager rating out of 10
7 -- There was little the boss could do about De Gea's mistake, but that aside, the performance, and selection worked relatively well. Setting United out in a 4-3-1-2 system seemingly got the best out of Fernandes, who was able to roam from the No.10 position, and cause continuous problems for the Everton backline. Additionally, the midfield balance also worked well, with the visitors dominating possession for large spells.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best, players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK David De Gea, 5 -- Another United game, another De Gea mistake. After receiving a back pass from Harry Maguire, the 29-year-old took an eternity to kick the ball out, which allowed Dominic Calvert-Lewin to intercept and convert the deflection into the United net. Redeemed himself late on thanks to a point-blank stop.
DF Aaron Wan-Bissaka, 6 -- Was a factor in adding to United's threat down the right-hand side, consistently overlapping Scott McTominay ahead of him, to play dangerous balls for the United forwards. A solid performance, albeit with a few glimpses of defensive frailty still evident.
DF Victor Lindelof, 6 -- Looked slightly ropey early on after a handful of misjudged tackles. However, the Swedish defender improved in the second half, as United held out for a draw.
DF Harry Maguire, 7 -- In a game defined by pacey forwards rather than powerful target men, the captain at times looked troubled by the dynamic Everton attack. He did pick up an early yellow card, but managed to stay disciplined in the closing stages, contributing with a series of vital defensive headers.
DF Luke Shaw, 7 -- Linked up well with Fred and Anthony Martial on the left wing, managing to get into advanced positions whenever possible. The former Southampton man continues to impress going forward after a good recent run of form.
MF Fred, 7 -- An improved display from the Brazilian, whose passing was tidy, and energy set the tempo for his teammates. He often found himself in wide areas, which he used to his advantage by delivering a number of excellent crosses into the Everton box.
MF Nemanja Matic, 8 -- The veteran Serb was highly effective in possession, managing to grab a first-half assist for Fernandes' equaliser. He dominated the midfield battle, setting an excellent template for the United forwards to benefit from.
MF Scott McTominay, 6 -- Fulfilled his duties well in a three-man midfield. With much of the creatively coming from his teammates, the 23-year-old kept it simple and worked hard, shuttling up and down the right side of the pitch.
FW Bruno Fernandes, 8 -- United's top player on the day, he caught out Jordan Pickford from range to score his side's opener. He was a consistent thorn in the Everton defence, with the No. 10 incessantly looking to play through balls to the striking duo of Martial and Greenwood.
FW Mason Greenwood, 6 -- A quiet afternoon for the teenage sensation, who at times struggled to influence the game. He also missed a decent opportunity early on, heading wide from a Fred cross.
FW Anthony Martial, 7 -- Dangerous movement, and decent link-up play were hallmarks of the Frenchman's performance -- who posed a threat throughout. Never quite managed to engineer the perfect shooting opportunity, though.
Substitutes
FW Odion Ighalo, N/R -- On for 20 minutes or so but wasn't able to find United a winner.
MF Juan Mata, N/R -- Part of a double-switch on 72 minutes with Ighalo, the Spaniard did little of note.
DF Brandon Williams, N/R -- On for injury time.