Authors: Doron and Phil

Follow Doron, Phil and BTP on Twitter

Beyond The Pitch and Stretford-End.com have come together once again to record another podcast, the fifth in the series. We look back at the Everton result; ahead to City; and debate what might happen up with the strikers this summer. You can also hear Fergie’s thoughts on the Everton collapse.

To listen to the podcast, click on this link. It is available to listen to or download on iTunes at this link.

Topics covered:

Looking back at Everton

What went on against Everton?! In terms of offensive football, it was good but have Everton proved to opposition teams that there’s most definitely a way to play against United at Old Trafford. Fellaini was important for Everton but were any United defenders guilty of playing below par? On the flip-side, our strikers and Nani in particular appear to be hitting form at the perfect time. As hinted in our post-match talking points, did Fergie get some subs wrong?

City next week

The biggest derby match. How should we approach it and with what team? City’s inexperience at being in a title race at this point of the season may be important, or will it?

Rafael & Fabio

Despite Rafael making some errors, we make a case for him being the long-term first choice right back. Meanwhile, Fabio’s been linked with a loan move abroad – what might the future hold for him? Could we have twins at both full back spot by the start of the 2013/14 season?

Strikers

Arguably a club needs three and a half strikers(!) so what might United do this summer with Berbatov going? Could Owen even stay or might one of the younger players step up to the first team squad?

Midfield transfer rumour round-up

As the heading suggests…!

Reserves and Academy

A very quick look back at the Academy’s exit from the Youth Cup and the Reserves league success; as well as potential new deals for two young players.

Player of the year

Both Phil and I name our United player of the year! (Although we may well revisit this next week.)

Once again, to listen to the podcast, click on this link. It is available to listen to or download on iTunes at this link.

To listen to the first four podcasts, click here.

Author: Stretford_End

Everton fought back from two goals down to draw an extremely entertaining game with title hopeful’s Manchester United. Jelavic gave the visitors the lead before ex-Evertonian Wayne Rooney scored an equalizer from a superb Nani cross. United took the lead in the second half with a breathtaking Danny Welbeck strike before Nani gave the home side a two goal cushion. Man of the match Marouane Fellaini scored a scintillating volley following decent delivery from Tony Hibbett on the right hand side. Rooney and Welbeck linked upto restore United’s two goal lead before two late strikes, again from Jelavic, and Pienaar gave the visitors a well earned point.

Here we discuss the talking points of a quite brilliant game and, as always, we welcome comments from both sets of supporters.

An amazing game of football
Although United dropped points in the race for title, it is game’s like this that you watch football for. Everton were extremely impressive in the first half, pressing high up the pitch and putting the United backline under pressure. Fellaini was a constant threat (see next Talking Points) all first half and Everton were impressive in possession.

Nani was back to his best, tormenting Everton’s right hand side and put in a superb delivery for Rooney’s first half equalizer. He also scored a delightful goal in the second half, chipping the ball over the outrushing Tim Howard. The Portuguese also won a header against Phil Neville, which fell to Danny Welbeck – who finished superbly.

I seem to recall a superb match against Middlesborough towards the end of the 96/97 season, which finished 3-3 and sometimes you just have to enjoy the spectacle that is presented in front of you. Gary Neville scored on that occasion as well! United and Everton have had some superb matches down the years, with the 4-3 in 2004 standing out and of course, United’s fight back from 2-0 down to win 4-2 in 2007.

For the record, the last time Everton scored four goals at Old Trafford was way back in 1956, when United lost 5-2. What a game of football.

Marouane Fellaini – MOTM
David Moyes claimed the Fellaini was ‘unplayable at times’ and I have to say I agree 100%. The tall Belgian operated in between the lines, just off of Nikica Jelavic, and won around 80% of headers that fell his way. He was strong on the ball to shield from Evans and Ferdinand, whilst he also scored a superb goal to make it 3-2 and get Everton back in the game.

Former Everton striker Duncan Ferguson used to cause United trouble, even scoring the winner in a 1-0 victory back in 2005 to aid Everton’s push for a Champions League place and Fellaini was no different today with this physical strength, finishing and movement – which made him hard to pick up at times. Man of the match for me.

Wayne Rooney is now United’s 4th all time top goalscorer
Wayne Rooney’s brace today puts him ahead of George Best and Dennis Viollet in 4th place of United’s all time top goalscorers. He still has someway to catch Sir Bobby Charlton – who is on 249 goals – but will most probably catch 3rd place Jack Rowley within the next two seasons, providing he stays at Old Trafford. Seems a long time ago when he scored his first goal (a hattrick) against Turkish side Fenerbahce back in 2004. United will need Rooney’s finishing even more come next Monday.

Fine margins and Fergie’s odd (lack of a) substitution
At 4-2 with ten minutes to play, the fact that Evra hit the post should have meant very little for the game’s overall result. Yet, 1 minute and 21 seconds late, Everton had pulled a goal back and would go on to get another. Who’d have thought that Evra’s miss would be such a defining moment?

Mind you, the fact United were attacking for a fifth goal leads onto another point – did Fergie get it wrong today? At 4-2, should he not have brought on another midfielder for a striker, probably, and somewhat harshly, Welbeck. At this stage of the season, getting the points matter and maybe Fergie was a bit too naive in not trying to protect the win. That said, bringing on Jones for Scholes at 4-4 made no sense at all. Jones of course would bring power up against a strong Everton midfield but in terms of trying to get a fifth goal, it was something of a nonsensical change. Anyway, that’s some food for thought…

Disappointing results in title run in
Manchester United 1-1 Middlesborough (2007), Chelsea 2-1 Manchester United (2008), Blackburn Rovers 0-0 Manchester United (1999), Wimbledon 1-0 Manchester United (1994), Southampton 3-1 Manchester United (1996) – what do all these results have in common? They occurred in the last fews games of a title run in where United won the championship. United were obvious favourites before the game to win the match, however Everton played extremely well – even if Sir Alex Ferguson thought they were fortune due to United’s defensive lapse.

There is a still a vast amount of football to be played and United are still in control. One thing that is obvious over the years is that any Ferguson team that disappoints in the previous match will surely show a reaction in the next match. Time and time again Ferguson has picked up his side to put a good performance in the following match.

Match Conclusion
Probably one of the matches of the season. An highly entertaining game, that produced some breathtaking goals. Sir Alex Ferguson will be livid with his Manchester United team, packed full of experience, to throw away a two goal lead in the final eight minutes of the match. Fellaini was the man of the match for me, whilst Luis Nani was United’s top performer of the afternoon. David De Gea didn’t have a chance with any of the Everton goals, whilst Patrice Evra will no doubt be thinking of his effort that smashed back of the woodwork. If the Frenchman had of scored, United would have led 5-2. There are such thin margins in football.

Authors: Doron, Nik and Rob

Follow Doron, Nik and Rob on Twitter

Despite being a website with content about Man United written by Man United fans – we all happen to not only enjoy football in general, but watch a lot of it. Therefore, we’re trying something new – a weekly column looking at a few learnings and observations from the weekend’s football and not necessarily just in England. A new scribe shall be joining us on this column, Trinidad & Tobago’s finest, Rob. We’ll make no attempt to be neutral and we’ll attempt to link back to United where possible but otherwise enjoy our thoughts and ramblings.

Michael Oliver’s star is rising fast

Newly promoted to the Fifa list of referees this year, Michael Oliver is making exuberant progress in only his second full season on the Premier League. Given plenty of time on the sidelines (at the highest level) as fourth official last season and at the start of this, Oliver has been learning his trade vicariously, much in the same way as Ole Solskjaer did as a United legend from the bench. Referee bosses have been cautious in handling what looks like the hottest British talent in many years, gradually easing him in to pressure cooker of top-flight football. In a turbulent period for referees in this country, Oliver has stood out as the jewel in the proverbial crown. His fitness is exemplary, his positioning improving by the game and his calm demeanour and management of hot-headed ‘superstars’ unimaginably superlative given his age. In recent weeks his appointments have been more high profile too; Swansea v Arsenal last week, a West Midlands derby this (drafted in as Atkinson’s replacement on his ‘week off’). Nothing typified Oliver’s confident and no-nonsense approach than his dismissal of Karl Henry on Saturday for a stamp on Albrighton. In the right position as always, the 26 year old calmly surveyed the scene whilst approaching Henry, turned in behind the midfielder allowing a greater control of the situation and showed him the red card. You know you’re doing a good job when Mick McCarthy doesn’t even complain about your decision. Oliver is no longer one ‘for the future’, his star is rising fast, but he has already arrived.

Patrice Evra is still the best left-back in the Premier League

United captain Patrice Evra now seems well and truly out of the rut that saw him lose his swashbuckling form in and around the disastrous French World Cup campaign. In the months following the summer of 2010, Evra’s usual defensive domineering displays turned into placid, error-prone offerings; Last season there was a distinct change in emphasis, Evra instructed not to be so cavalier, and when he did venture into the final third his delivery was often very poor. Yet he remained in a successful side, and importantly, Fergie’s most trusted asset. This season has seen him gradually re-find his mojo and attacking acumen, with Smalling’s and Jones’ presence at right fullback crucial – their natural tendency as a centre half to form a three-man centre when the fullback is high gives Evra the confidence to attack with verve. Whilst it is true that Evra’s forays forward have often left United short down the left side, Ferdinand’s switch to left centre-half has aided the defensive shape. As has Young’s defensive work on that side, often in tandem with Carrick’s ubiquitous presence in the midfield sweeper role that he has made his own.

In fact, it has been the inverted wing play of both Young and Nani down United’s left side that has accidentally on purpose re-enlivened Evra’s spirit. Their movement inside as part of a fluid front four approach, has allowed the Frenchman the opportunity exploit the space, and he is a constant threat when in the mood he displayed at the Emirates – whether it was assisting Park’s opener versus Wigan or doing the same for Hernandez in the crucial game at Everton, or simply starting the moves with an interception that led to both the openers versus Arsenal and City away, Patrice is once again proving why the modern-day fullback is of vital importance to the team’s potency. He has also improved his general defensive outlay, particularly evident in the bigger games; notably more considered in his positioning in these games, he has worked hard to track his opponent as we saw with Walcott’s anonymity yesterday, and he has also helped out in central areas. Man of the match performances against Chelsea and Arsenal were the reward for his diligence, and his output versus City in the Cup, Totenham at home and Liverpool away should not go unnoticed.

With Cole struggling, many will point towards Jose Enrique’s progression at Liverpool or Baines’ work ethic and crossing ability as proof that there are better left sided fullbacks in the league. But both are far from the finished article and lack the ‘completeness’ of the Evra package. Not 31 until May this year, the left back is at his peak for a defender, and worryingly for United’s closest rivals, he seems to be finding consistency just at the right time.

Boo sucks to Arsenal “fans”

I’ll put this simply: Arsenal fans do not deserve a manager as good as Arsene Wenger. Before a season starts, “In Arsene We Trust” is the motto, but when the footy gets going, they mumble songs, murmur and whinge despite the excellent home form of their players and the surroundings of their brilliant new stadium. Booing when Wenger, one of the great youth developers of the Premier League, subbed a tiring 18-year old off? It was a truly cringe-worthy moment.

Their reaction could’ve been to give a standing ovation for a coruscating performance by a great young talent. But they decided to negate all that, by booing both a substitute and the manager, shattering the confidence of an already demoralised player, and killing the very significant tide of momentum their team had at that point in the game. They couldn’t do anything about the substitution being made or not, but they certainly did something to the morale of the team. Credit them, not Arshavin, with the assist for United’s winner.

Things that Arsenal fans should’ve been more concerned about:
1. Djourou.
2. The most overrated player in the Premier League playing at left back for them.
3. Ramsey getting tired after playing a hell of a lot of games this season… hmm, young player fitness issues? NAH.
4. Ignasi Miquel. He didn’t play, but I just find he has a weird face.

I’d love to see Arshavin come to United on a free, and smash a hat trick past them next season. Also, Arsene, could you resign from AFC and come manage the Trinidad and Tobago national team? We’ve got some good young players! Anyway, Arsenal “fans” are rubbish.

On the road… to a great away record

Few things in life can beat an away win over Arsenal. But one thing that’s been quietly overlooked is the amazing turnaround in our team’s away form. This campaign, United have the best away record in the league – albeit with some extremely taxing trips to come. What exactly has changed?

For one, aggression in midfield has been key. The mauling at Newcastle aside, United haven’t been overrun as often or as severely as they were last season, where Villa, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Wolves can each claim to have dominated United in central areas.

The side has been pressing and controlling the middle third with more authority, showing renewed vigour away from home *insert Giggsy pun*. Last season, United were 17th in the league at tackles per game (with 18.3), and 16th in terms of interceptions (14.6) away from home. This season’s away record sees the side jump to 6th in tackling (20.8) and 7th in interceptions (16.9). When the energy of Cleverley and Anderson was used earlier in the season, the attacking tailspin it created was too much for opposition defences to handle. The Jones-Carrick combo against Villa and QPR showed a pleasing mix of steel and silk, and could feature again when The Greatest Man in the Universe returns from injury in a few weeks.

When Giggs and Carrick have played together, they’ve relied on the finer arts of passing and dribbling to tire the opposition, and that’s helped to put teams like Fulham to bed by halftime. The Arsenal game demonstrated this very well, and if the first-half finishing from Danny and Nani had been better, it could’ve been a very comfy win. Even with Carrick carrying Giggs on a feathered palanquin (until Scholesy came on), and nursing a hamstring injury for 45 minutes, United dominated possession and dictated the tempo in the first half, while retaining the shape and fortitude in the second to repel a stirring Arsenal comeback, snatch a fine winner, and see out the game.

P.S. I could’ve named this bit “Best away record in the league? Blame Michael Carrick.” Since coming back from injury, he’s been sensational. According to WhoScored’s average player ratings, the Geordie Guardiola has been the 6th best player in the Premier League this season. Caveat: WhoScored also has Nasri in 10th place, so take this ranking with a pinch or an industrial silo full of salt, as appropriate.

Darron Gibson’s role at Everton

Since moving to Everton, Gibson has started in both league games away to Villa and home to Blackburn but what’s his role been and how’s he done?

Given plenty of responsibility, Gibson’s been used centrally as a link-man between Cahill and Fellaini. Whilst often found as the deepest of the three, he’s by no means played far back for Everton, he has license to push on. He’s certainly benefited from playing as part of a three and having players who move a lot around him – it’s given him freedom to play some nice attacking passes.

Maybe the biggest asset Gibson’s brought so far is his reading of the game, something he maybe wasn’t appreciated for at United or never got the chance to show. He’s made numerous interceptions in his first two games and has been key to ball retention. Whether Gibson is a bit too one-dimensional remains to be seen but he certainly provides a nice foil for those around him. If though Moyes does at some point decide to play two in the middle it’ll be interesting to see if he keeps his place – for now the early signs are solid and encouraging.

Fulham’s (mini) revival

Impressive wins over Arsenal and Newcastle in recent league games have seen something of the Fulham that Martin Jol envisaged when he took over. Make no mistake about it, two men in particular have been central to it.

Zamora’s recall to the side has served to prove just how important a player he is both for club and potentially for country with Euro 2012 looming. His link-up with Dempsey has been intriguing to say the least. The Newcastle game in particular, where Dempsey scored a hat-trick was fascinating. Despite playing as a striker, Zamora regularly dropped deep and was on the ball over twice as much as Dempsey, who, as soon as Zamora was in possession, set off on a forward run. One might have expected it to be the other way round but with Dempsey being direct and all-rounded, and Johnson fast, Zamora’s physical presence deeper is unnerving for opposition players and he ends up winning the ball on numerous occasions.

Murphy’s contribution also can’t be overlooked. As a deep playmaker he’s still one of the best passers in the league and is regularly spotting opportunities to float delightfully weighted forward passes.

Whilst Fulham are starting to tick at home they are just one of four sides who’ve only won once away from home – their seven goals scored in eleven away games is the worst record in the league and maybe Jol needs to have faith in the attacking football that’s recently been so successful at Craven Cottage.

The weekend’s unsung hero: David Luiz

Having been the subject of a lot of criticism this season, David Luiz turned in a really excellent performance away to Norwich. Up against physical and bullying strikers Morison and Holt this game had trouble written all over it.

However, it was Luiz’s partner, Terry, who appeared to be the one who struggled. Luiz was assured, confident and strong, Refusing to allow Holt or Morison get the better of him, Luiz for once used his physical presence to win battles and the signs that he appears to be learning are starting to show. Whilst in the past he’s committed to tackles too early and has been turned, this time he perfectly judged when to get tight and when to allow space between himself and the strikers.

Chelsea’s defending has been questionable at times this season but Luiz was crucial to a really impressive clean sheet.

Author: Stretford_End

Manchester United notched up their second clean sheet away from home in the Premier League with a 1-0 victory over Everton. Javier Hernandez scored the only goal of the game, as he did in the victory over Everton last April, following a superb cross from Evra on the left hand side. Sir Alex Ferguson made a number of changes following the 6-1 defeat at the hands of Manchester City last weekend.

Here we discuss the talking points of Manchester United’s 1-0 win over Everton.

Additional Links:

- Highlights versus Everton
- Forum discussion versus Everton
- United lineup and match details versus Everton

Rio Omission – Is he still first choice?

Rio Ferdinand is one of the finest centre halves of his generation and has been a superb signing for Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United since his move from Leeds United in the summer of 2002. However, the manager opted to go with Johny Evans and Nemanja Vidic at the back, following the horror display against Manchester City. Ferdinand has played in six of the ten Premier League fixures this season and United have kept two clean sheets (away at Bolton and at home to Norwich) in those games.

Ferdinand has been strongly linked with a move away from Old Trafford over the past twelve months following a number of injuries since the 2008/09 season where he injured his back in the warm up against Stoke City. The purchase of Chris Smalling and then Phil Jones by Sir Alex Ferguson were a clear signal of the need for defensive cover. Yes, both players are class acts and will no doubt play a major part in United’s backline for years to come, however their progression to the first team happened quicker than expected – which, could well be down to the injuries Rio has picked up over the last few seasons. United once went into a fixture away at Fulham (09/10) with Michael Carrick, Darren Fletcher and Richie De Laet in a back three – something Sir Alex Ferguson will no doubt no want to see again.

So, is Rio your first choice centre half alongside Nemanja Vidic or was Ferguson punishing him for a poor performance in the derby?

Danny Welbeck’s versatility

Danny Welbeck was one of the few players who could hold his head up following the defeat to City. His loan to Sunderland was a superb move for both club and player who are both now reaping the benefits. Welbeck has filled out and was looking so dangerous in the early season games before he picked up a hamstring injury against Arsenal in the 8-2 victory. Against Everton on Saturday, Welbeck was deployed on the left hand side, with Wayne Rooney dropping off goal scorer Javier Hernandez. Welbeck linked up really well with Cleverley and Evra for the goal in the 18th minute and the Guardian Chalkboard diagram below highlights how neat and tidy Welbeck was on the ball from a left hand berth:

One of the key points though is that Welbeck’s approach is to cut inside from left, on his right foot, rather than get to the byline and supply crosses, his low cross to Park (who should have scored) aside. This movement allows Evra space to run into, which was one of the key features in the goal – with the Frenchman providing a superb assist for Hernandez to hit home.

Should Welbeck be deployed as a striker ahead of Rooney or are you happy for him to operate from the left cutting inside?

Everton’s shot count vs. United’s

MOTD went a little mad the other night discussing the amount of shots United have had at their goal in the season so far – that number increased by 19 on Saturday. Baines hit the bar with a superbly struck freekick, which had David De Gea rooted to the floor and Coleman had a very early chance in the game that was scooped up by the Spanish keeper. The Guardian chalkboard below highlights the shot count for both sides:

Despite the high amount of shots at the United goal, Sir Alex Ferguson was over the moon at winning the game 1-0:

“The most pleasing aspect for me was winning 1-0. We defended well in the second half and David De Gea didn’t really have much to do. Everton put in a lot of crosses, but we managed to create the game’s best chances. Maybe we rode our luck a little bit when Everton hit the crossbar; we were fortune because it was a fantastic freekick.”

David Moyes also praised United’s ‘resilience and spoke of Everton’s lack of quality in the final third:

“United were resilient, we couldn’t break them down. I don’t think we would have been flattered by a draw. United created very few chances, but we just lacked that bit of quality in the final third of the pitch.”

Both Moyes and Ferguson have commented on the fact that United were comfortable with Everton’s onslaught, however are you concerned by the amount of chances opposing sides are getting against United? Are the defence and De Gea getting enough protection?

Match Conclusion

United went back to basics and Ferguson dropped Rio Ferdinand, Anderson and Nani following the 6-1 defeat in the Manchester derby, whilst welcoming back Tom Cleverley, who hadn’t played in the Premier League since picking up an ankle injury in the 5-0 victory over Bolton Wanderers. Hernandez notched up his fourth goal of the season and his second goal of his career against Everton. Everton came close to equalising following a superb struck free kick from Leighton Baines, who switched off to let the Mexican score. There was no repeat of the epic 3-3 draw from last season at Goodison, however as Ferguson mentioned – winning 1-0 was extremely pleasing, considering United’s past results at Goodison and the hammering from last weekend.

Manchester United host Otelul Galati in the Champions League on Wednesday and then host Sunderland on Saturday 5th November.

AUTHOR: – Doron

For two hours at least, United have opened up a 9 point gap at the top of the Premier League and now know for certain that wins in the next two league games will seal a record breaking 19th title. Everton however came to Old Trafford determined to make the afternoon as uncomfortable as possible and made United wait until the 84th minute to score. Here we discuss the Talking Points of the game and encourage both United and Everton fans to leave their thoughts on a nerve-shredding game.

Talking Points

Using the squad

Sir Alex boldly chose this came to rest some players and give some much needed game time to others. This was most evident in defence as three of the four who started at Newcastle midweek were rotated out – most notably the captain Vidic was rested for the first time in the league this season. In came Rio Ferdinand for his first league start since the 1st February whilst Jonny Evans made his 10th league appearance and Fabio his 8th (only his second start of this campaign though).

Having started 11 of the last 13 games in all competitions, Michael Carrick was given a rare and well earned break as he was left on the substitute’s bench. He was replaced by Gibson, who was making only his 11th appearance in the league this season. Anderson kept his place from the Newcastle game whilst out wide, Sir Alex went attack-minded with both Nani and Valencia.

Given many fans would prioritise the league over European success, it was a bold call from Fergie in trying to balance both competitions and give them equal importance. Personally, I’m not sure I’d have been as brave as him.

Anderson excels next to consistent Gibson

It’s been a tough year for Anderson. Every time he’s had a run of games a new injury has cropped up. His start at Newcastle on Tuesday was his first since mid-February and despite a relatively poor performance he was picked again today, this time alongside Darron Gibson.

It seemed like the instructions to the pair were clear – both to sit deep and win the ball, but Gibson had to get the ball wide as soon as possible, whereas for Anderson he had to carry the ball forward and pick out the strikers. The combination of the two different styles worked for United:

Click on images to enlarge

Anderson and Gibson passing

Anderson’s adventurous passing was accurate today. He released Chicharito and the wingers on numerous times. Importantly there was a calmness and confidence about his play – nothing was rushed. The runs he made from deep with the ball broke the Everton midfield lines showing some dynamism in the midfield that often this season has been missed. With the exception of Fletcher – he’s the only midfielder in the first team who offers that at the moment.

Gibson may not be a world-beater but he was neat and tidy today. He never tried anything adventurous and yes he can well be criticised for that but the short sharp passing coupled with positional discipline complimented Anderson’s style today and allowed him to roam:

Anderson and Gibson heatmap

As the heatmap above shows, Anderson made 36% of his passes in the final third of the Everton half. Meanwhile, Gibson made 59% of his passes from the centre of the pitch and 46% from within the United half. This is reminiscent of the job Carrick was doing at the end of 2010 when his partnership with Anderson flourished as he held a disciplined deeper role giving Anderson the option to roam forward.

It may not have been the central midfield pairing that everyone wanted or expected but it was effective today. The role of Gibson allowed Anderson to flourish, and there’s little doubt he was the key man in the middle.

Defenders on show and persistence with crossing

United were forced to wait until the 84th minute for a breakthrough. Much of that frustration can be put down to solid and very organised defending by Everton. As United piled forward and put pressure on Everton they looked for inspiration from their wingers. United’s flair has always come from out wide and good crossers are a necessity. However if the defenders United are up against are good, it doesn’t matter how good your crosses are:

Distin and Jagielka clearances

United put in 35 crosses today yet only 3 reached a target – Distin and Jagielka were excellent all game and busy. Between them they made 32 clearances – it’s just disappointing for Everton that on the rare occasion Distin wasn’t tight to Chicharito, he was able to score. Up to the goal, United had already sent in 34 crosses, persistence in wing-play paid off though as Valencia sent one of the few crosses Everton didn’t defend well and Chicharito was able to head the winner – his 19th goal of the season.

There were good defenders on both sides. The much maligned Evans was assured and won an impressive 83% of his aerial battles – a good figure considering the introductions of Cahill and Anichebe at half time. Evans made more tackles than any of the other 3 centre backs on the pitch too – the 8 he made is nearly double Rio’s total. He seemed assured in bringing the ball our of defence and with that in mind, a pass completion rate of 89% is excellent for a centre back who made 44 passes.

The other defender I’d like to single out is Fabio. Making only his second league start of the season he showed the attacking spirit one would expect from a Brazilian fullback – playing 50% of his game in the Everton half. However he also showed how adept he is defensively:

Fabio tackles and clearances

Fabio’s 10 tackles saw him make more than any other defender on the pitch. Importantly his 5 clearances were made in a key area of the pitch – four of them inside United’s own penalty area. It just goes to show that despite being associated with exciting attacking play, he is also able to defend very ably.

Match Conclusion

Sir Alex Ferguson chose to rotate his squad for this game as he had half an eye on Schalke on Tuesday. Evans, Fabio, Ferdinand, Gibson and Valencia all came in after the 0-0 draw at Newcastle midweek.

United went into the game having not scored in over 3 hours of football but started with purpose and energy. However Phil Jagielka was leading Everton’s defence well and they kept United at bay relatively well until about 20 minutes in. In quick succession Nani, and twice Chicharito had shots well saved by Howard. Rooney and Anderson were by this point starting to pull the strings – both eager to get on the ball and shift it wide. As the half came to an end Valencia and then Rooney got in good positions behind the defence on the right but neither of their crosses lead to a shot on goal – Valencia’s ended up at the feet of Nani whose shot was unfortunately blocked by Chicharito.

Everton changed their tactics at half time. On came Cahill and Anichebe as they tried to out-muscle United in the air. They started the half well too – Anichebe felt he should have had a penalty as he went down from a challenge from Rio Ferdinand but the ball had long since gone and arguably he went down very easily. With United struggling to open Everton up, Ferguson brought on Evra for O’Shea and Owen for Nani with Rooney asked to play on the left. The end of Everton’s pressure was signalled when van der Sar produced a wonderful finger-tip save from Rodwell’s deflected shot. From then on it was purely about United pressure.

Wave after wave of attack pummelled the Everton defence but they stood firm. Distin nearly sliced the ball into his own net but was relieved to see it hit the post whilst Howard saved well from Rooney’s free kick and then again from Chicharito’s goal-bound header. Giggs came on for Gibson late on as the game moved into the last 10 minutes and it felt like ‘one of those afternoons’. However, with just 6 minutes remaining, another Valencia cross looped up high, for once Distin had lost Chicharito and he headed the ball down into the goal from just yards out. United comfortably saw out the final minutes of the game to record a victory that sees them go top by 9 points for now.

United’s next game is away to Schalke in the semi finals of the Champions on Tuesday 26th April.

AUTHOR: – Doron

AUTHOR: – Doron

Where to begin?! What a strange week it’s been! United somehow still have a cushion at the top of the league – a 6 point gap now over Arsenal and a revived Chelsea. Meanwhile, Everton are on their own surge and are now hot on the heels of arch rivals Liverpool who are 6th. Despite what at first looks like a mediocre away record (19 points from 48), this is the 6th best return in the league. United though have been almost perfect at home this season and will be looking for a record 13th home league win in a row.

David Moyes has recently passed 9 years in charge at Everton. The job he’s done there on a limited budget has been superb and after a shaky start to this campaign, it looks like this will be another successful season. With 5 games to play, Everton are 7th and only 2 points shy of neighbours Liverpool in 6th. Despite finishing with more points last year than they’ll probably end up on this year, they only managed 8th. This season, the club are managing to concede less goals but scoring hasn’t come easily either. The club certainly haven’t been helped by injuries to key strikers and midfielders throughout the campaign – something that unfortunately for The Toffees extends to the game this weekend.

Pretty much regardless of who is available, Moyes has been loyal to a 4-4-1-1 formation. Baines and when fit, Jagielka and Distin are mainstays of a solid defence with Hibbert and former Red, Phil Neville battling for the right back spot. The midfield is prone to rotation based upon who is available. Don’t be surprised to see Mr Neville line up somewhere in the centre tomorrow given the players missing. The positioning of Jack Rodwell – an alleged transfer target for United – will be of interest. Given all the injuries, he’s now played a few times as the ’1′ behind the striker and the furthest forward of the central midfielders (see games against Chelsea and Arsenal). The man to lead the attack will probably be Jermaine Beckford – he infamously scored the goal for Leeds last year that knocked United out of the FA Cup. Beckford is their second top league goalscorer this year with 7 goals, he’s two behind Cahill. Worryingly for Everton, no player has scored over 10 goals in all competitions (Beckford and Cahill both have 9 in total).

Only a couple of months ago, the aim for Everton would have been survival, but now they are just one win away from guaranteed survival with an outside chance of a European place looming on the horizon. The reason for the turn-around in fortune is an 8 match unbeaten league run (they did lose in the FA Cup to Reading in the middle of it). This run makes Everton the second most in-form side in the league with 14 points taken from a last 18 available. There away form is above average at the moment – 7 points from the last six games is joint 5th highest in the league. Everton haven’t been easy to beat on the road, only two teams have lost fewer games and only Man City have conceded fewer goals on enemy turf. However, 19 goals scored in 16 away games is a concern and accounts for why only 4 games away have been won.

On a positive note for Everton is that there are players returning from injury. However, this game looks like it will come too soon for Cahill, Arteta and Heitinga. Another former Red, Louis Saha is ruled out along with Fellaini, and youngster, Jose Baxter.

Everton’s record at Old Trafford isn’t good. They have only won once in 18 meetings – back in August 1992. Since then United have won 14 games including the four most recent ties. In fact, in the past six seasons, Everton have only managed 2 goals away at United. On average United hit 2 past Everton with the Merseyside club scoring less than one in reply. Last year’s meeting ended 3-0 to United with Carrick, Fletcher and Valencia scoring. In the early season meeting of these two sides at Goodison Park, United lead 3-1 until injury time when Everton scored two late goals to claim a 3-3 draw.

Enough on Everton…onto United and my predicted line up:

The list of absentees has shortened again. Only Fletcher, Hargreaves, Lindegaard and Scholes (suspension) are definitely ruled out. Berbatov and Ferdinand are doubts though and with an intense fixture list neither are likely to be risked.

I’ve once again gone for a 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1 as it increasingly tends to play out. In front of Edwin there may be some changes in the back four. Rafael is fit again and he may be given some important minutes on the road to full match sharpness. With Rio likely to miss out, Smalling should make his 31st appearance of an impressive season alongside Vidic. Despite picking Evra for the left back slot, I think Fabio has a good chance of playing given Evra’s erratic form.

There’s much to think about in the midfield in terms of who to keep fresh and when for – the next two weeks with fixtures starting on Tuesday against Schalke, Arsenal and Chelsea will certainly define this season. Valencia didn’t start in the 0-0 midweek draw at Newcastle and therefore I think he’ll come back in with Nani on the opposite wing. Both Park and Giggs I’d have thought will play on Tuesday night at Schalke. In the middle Carrick has been a mainstay and he’ll be partnered by one of Anderson or Gibson – on this occasion I’ve chosen Gibson. It’s seemingly much easier to pick the strikers – Rooney again should play behind Chicharito as Berbatov is a doubt. Owen will of course be hoping for a rare start and maybe as an outside bet, Joshua King could feature on the bench.

United remain top with a lead of 6 points now. Last weekend they crashed out of the FA Cup and midweek could only draw at Newcastle (failing to score in two consecutive games for the first time this season) – however Arsenal dropped points against both Liverpool and Spurs. This weekend, Arsenal are at Bolton on the Sunday and Chelsea who are now back in contention host West Ham in the late kick-off tomorrow.

Recent form shows United 4th in the form league with 10 points taken from a possible 18 in the last six games. At home, United have been almost unstoppable, with 15 games won out of 16. Their home record is the best in the league – they are the highest scorers with 42 goals and have the tightest defence with only 9 conceded.

In Dimitar Berbatov United have the league’s top goalscorer (21 goals) as well as the joint 6th and 7th top scorers (Chicharito with 11 and Rooney with 10), whilst Nani is the league’s top assister (18 assists; Rooney is joint 3rd with 11). It’s now over a year since an opposition player has scored a first half goal in the league at Old Trafford.

With a recent dip in form and rotation possible given the big games coming up, one would think there is potential for an upset against Everton. Certainly Everton’s form means that despite success at home this year, this must be taken incredibly seriously. However, United rarely go three games without scoring and winning and I think there will be a response from the players, I therefore predict a 2-0 win for the Reds.

You can share with us your thoughts ahead of the match and your favourite moments from games at home to Everton on our forum.

Everton 3 -3 Manchester United

A draw at Everton might not be the worst result, given Manchester United’s recent record at Goodison Park. United were 3-1 up in injury time and though the inexplicable surrender in injury time was simply unexplainable, it was not, as some United bloggers described it, “a disgrace”.

Darren Fletcher, Nani and Dimitar Berbatov had overturned an early deficit to put the visitors into a seemingly unassailable lead but a remarkable late surge from the Toffees registered an unlikely result.

United had dropped Wayne Rooney with the unofficial line being that his wife, Coleen, had suffered some bad news when her unwell sister had suffered a stroke. It was just as well for the beleaguered front man with the press on his back after front page stories all week; last season’s runners up could not pin their complacency on his absence.

Mikel Arteta went close early on, once with a free kick that clipped the cross bar, and secondly with an effort deflected wide. John O’Shea hit the bar, too, on the 15 minute mark, after United had registered their first real spell of possession. Tim Howard had to be alert just after the hour to stop a free kick teed up by Nani to Paul Scholes, then to deny Ryan Giggs after clever work by Darren Fletcher.

Less than a minute after the Giggs opportunity, however, the hosts took the lead, when Evra’s speculative attempted clearance was ill timed and Mikel Arteta broke free. The Spaniard’s shot was well saved by van der Sar, but Leon Osman cleverly passed it to Steven Pienaar who easily converted to give Everton the lead. The response took less than 4 minutes as Giggs’ crossfield pass was met then crossed by Nani and finished by Darren Fletcher for the equaliser. Berbatov was close to giving the visitors a half time advantage but his volley from a Giggs pass went wide.

Nemanja Vidic gave United the lead less than two minutes into the second half; when a corner routine didn’t work initially, Nani’s ball on the second phase was headed across goal into the far corner by the Serbian. An Everton corner led to the third goal, with a Neville back heel finding Scholes and Scholes’ raking pass playing in Berbatov. The Bulgarian’s clever finish seemed to finish the game.

Scholes COULD have after an interchange with Nani but blasted over; Leon Osman had a drive well saved by van der Sar, too, before injury time dawned and United’s away day curse struck again. A spell in the last 10 minutes at Craven Cottage embarrassed United but this was undoubtedly worse; with just 3 minutes given to the visitors to endure and no real wave of attacking threat to knock down their resistance, injury time saw the Red Devils inexplicably surrender after almost 90 minutes of constant exemplary work from the centre backs. Baines was chief instigator with the crosses that destroyed United’s advantage; the first finding Cahill, who duly headed in, and the second finding Arteta, whose finish deflected in off Scholes, with the defence surely realising they could have done far better on both occasions.

Drawing at Goodison is a point up on last year, as was the recent draw at Fulham. But with a shocking surrender in the last 5 minutes of both games, United have found themselves with a lot of ground to cover before September has even ended. The hopes for a record 19th title while the clubs best ever players, Scholes and Giggs, are in the squad, are becoming increasingly unlikely.

Ratings : van der Sar 7, Neville 6, *Vidic 8, Evans 6, Evra 5 (Park), Nani 7 , Fletcher 7, Scholes 7, O’Shea 5, Giggs 7, Berbatov 7

The major talking point in the build up to Manchester United’s away match at Goodison Park will inevitably be the allegations surrounding Wayne Rooney. Everton fans already feel betrayed by the way Rooney left the Toffees, and the controversy surrounding the England striker will only fuel their fire for harassing him. Trips to Goodison Park have become a difficult fixture in recent years and the inevitable abuse from the home fan will only create a more heated battle.

Predicting the squad for the match is more complicated now that European fixtures are about to get underway. For instance, will Sir Alex use the in-form Paul Scholes for a tough Premier League away fixture or will he save him for midweek match against Rangers? The same question can be asked about Ryan Giggs. And then there is the impending return of Rio Ferdinand from injury. Will Sir Alex see him as fit enough for Everton, or will he give Rio more time by using Jonny Evans?

I think that with Evans’ recent struggles, that Sir Alex will select Rio if he is fit. Rio’s exclusion from the Reserves match on Thursday also seems to suggest that Sir Alex is saving the England captain for the weekend. I have no doubt that Edwin van der Sar will remain between to posts, while Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra are virtually undroppable at the moment. I would love to see Rafael get some playing time soon, but I can’t see Sir Alex using him in a tough away fixture. I think he’ll stick with John O’Shea for now to keep the team more defensive. In midfield, I predicting Scholes will be used alongside Fletcher as they’ve proven themselves a good pairing in early season fixtures. I think Giggs will be saved for Rangers, leaving Nani and Antonio Valencia on the wings. Surely, with Dimitar Berbatov’s recent performances he will continue as the player between the midfield and the striker.

This brings us to the final position. There has been some concern that Rooney may crumble under the pressure and that Sir Alex may spare him the harassment, but I believe the attacks from Everton fans will only serve as motivation. Rooney has already shown he can play despite all the problems in his private life having scored for England on Tuesday. I’d like to see Chicharito get some more chances and I think Kiko Macheda is knocking on the first team door, but I’m betting that any involvement they will have will come from the bench. If Rooney is fit, then Sir Alex will surely have him on the team sheet.

An interesting subplot to this match will be Sir Alex’s reported interest in Jack Rodwell*. The U-21 is already being reported as an injury doubt for this match, but should he play the gaffer will surely have his watchful eye focused on Rodwell’s performance. Many United fans will surely also be intrigued by the rumoured transfer target. Could be a convenient chance to get a glance at a potential future signing.

In the end, I’m backing Berbatov to continue his strong start to the season by bagging his third Premier League goal of the campaign. I also believe Rooney will get on the scoresheet using the abuse to fire home a goal. And I believe United will have three goals in them for the match, with Nani also getting himself a goal as well. The Portuguese winger has made huge improvements in the past year and scored a powerful goal against West Ham. He still has some work to do on his consistency, but I believe he has the ability to start finding the back of the net more regularly. I think that being at Goodison, Everton are likely to score as well, but I’m only predicting one goal for the home side.

Prediction: United 3, Everton 1

*Jack Rodwell has been ruled out for three months since the posting of this preview.

Discuss the upcoming match in the forum.

You can follow Kyle on Twitter at KDill_MUFC.

Phil Jagielka. A model professional; someone always in the paper for the right reasons, always pictured doing charity work. A player who has demonstrated to kids everywhere that a player doesn’t need to be a Leo Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, or some other teenage sensation to succeed in the game. He has worked hard to get his rewards and is rightly respected by most in the game.



However, he has undermined all that hard work in one fell swoop with a quote in this mornings Metro, saying “it should be amusing” when commenting on the level of abuse he expects Wayne Rooney to receive on Merseyside on Saturday.

I’m sure Jagielka, with all he has been throughout his career, didn’t mean the words as they sounded. Regardless; the comments sound like he is condoning vitriol at whatever level even with the benefit of hindsight. This will include angry, drunken threats of physical attacks.

No, it won’t be funny for Rooney if he is subjected to abuse that is escalated even from that he currently endures on each return to Liverpool. Why would it be? Sure, we all know Rooney is his own worst enemy and more than plays his part in the banter, but banter is where it should stop. A hate campaign or a deliberately timed plant story by the Mirror to incite aggression towards United’s spearhead to it’s peak, if Rooney is guilty of the actions the tabloids are accusing him of he will pay his own price. Is it really enough to warrant threats on his safety? When did this become acceptable, when did it become “amusing”??

Was it amusing for David Beckham’s family to see burning effigies of their loved relative dangling from buildings in London after the World Cup in 1998? No.

The media – rightly – react in disgust to those Arsene Wenger chants that happen throughout the country but only get highlighted at Old Trafford. Those chants are vile, disgusting and definitely not amusing. Maybe it’s far fetched to imagine that those people who created the Beckham effigies would actually set light to the players body if they had the opportunity but it’s certainly not unthinkable to envisage a situation where a riled up, inebriated “fan” takes to the pitch and attacks a player.

Wayne Rooney may not have helped himself in this situation but surely his fellow professionals have a duty to help diffuse an inevitably volatile atmosphere instead of encouraging it. It wouldn’t be widely considered “amusing” or even accepted if it were any other player at any other club, after all.

Manchester United’s defeat to Everton was only the third time in Premier League history Evertonian’s got one over us at Goodsion Park. The first defeat at Goodison in the Premier League was in February 1995, when a Daniel Amokachi gave the Toffees a 1-0 victory. They had to wait another ten years to taste victory against United, another header from an Everton legend – Duncan Ferguson – gave the home side a 1-0 victory, which helped in their push for a fourth place finish. On both occasions we lost the league to Blackburn Rovers and Chelsea respectively. In 1995 we were without our talisman Eric Cantona, whilst in 2005 we arguably had a team in transition – but what was our excuse yesterday?

United were well and truely beaten by a much improved Everton side who played with urgency and closed down United high up the pitch – which forced United’s defenders to clear their lines quickly. Jonny Evans is a great prospect for the club but has had a torrid last two games – most noticeably in Milan gifting possession to the opposition on a number of occasions. He has played in 23 games so far this season (one more than Anderson), compared to 34 last season, so I don’t think he is need of a rest – especially considering he missed a chunk of the season over Christmas. I generally believe he is just in a bad run of form and the best way to get through that is to keep playing games and show the class that we all know he has. Although, I believe that Ferguson will play both Ferdinand and Vidic on Tuesday against West Ham.

The defeat in 1995 was a big blow because we were neck and neck with Blackburn Rovers at the time and the defeat was a major set back. We only lost one more time that season (2-0 away at Liverpool), which was our sixth defeat of the season – the same amount that we have lost so far in this campaign. Having said that, our defeats this season have come at Burnley (who have only lost twice at home), at Liverpool (who were coming into the came after a number of defeats), at Chelsea (where we put in a great performance and only lost through a controversial John Terry header), at home to Villa (who played very well but we should have got a draw out of the game), at Fulham (playing a three man defense due to an injury crisis) and away at Everton (and were rightfully beaten). Of course every season is very different from the last and I think we’re all in agreement this league campaign has been a very mixed bag, with a number of surprise results that have made it a very open campaign for the title, European places and relegation battle.

I am of course not suggesting that due to the fact that we lost in 95 and 05 to Everton we will lose the league this campaign because of this coincidence – I still think we have a decent chance with our run in being more favourable than Chelsea’s – plus they still have to come to Old Trafford. Many United fans are still questioning Sir Alex Ferguson’s decision not to purchase anyone with the Ronaldo money that is ‘suppose to be’ available. However, I think that Fergie put faith in a number of players at the start of the season who have either been below par or injured for a considerable amount of time. Some fans expectations are too high and the fact that no team has ever won four League Championships on the bounce is a statement to what a monumental task it actually is. I still believe United have a great chance to achieve this feat, regardless of the latest set back. We’ve had ‘surprise’ defeats in the past when on the road to glory – losing 3-1 to Southampton in 1996, 1-0 to Oldham in 1993 and 2-1 to Portsmouth in 2007. All of course are met with disappointment and a reassessment of the bigger picture, but in all of those three seasons – we went onto lift the Championship. So, although extremely below par yesterday – the title race is far from over. Chelsea are in the driving seat at the moment and we’ll see how they do in their run in (away to Liverpool, away to Blackburn – who have only lost two at home – away to Spurs and away to United being key).

On a more fond statistical note – spare a thought for West Ham United – who will on the receiving end of a United backlash, if history is anything to go by. The game after the 1-0 defeat in 2005 saw quite possibly one of the greatest goals at Old Trafford in the 2-1 victory over Newcastle United. Wayne Rooney’s superb volley towards the Stretford End had me speechless, it was a genius strike. Even better was in 1995 when after the Amokachi header, Ipswich Town traveled to Manchester for a record 9-0 hammering. So i’m hoping for a high scoring victory with a wonder Rooney goal, reckon we’ll get it?