Manchester United swept aside Everton on Friday evening to cruise into FA Cup fourth round, courtesy to late penalty by the in form Marcus Rashford.
First-half: Manchester United 1-1 Everton
Manchester United opened the scoresheet within just four minutes. Rashford served Antony Santos with a pass across the face of goal, and the Brazillian tapped in to give the hosts the lead.
The visitors came close to equalizing on the 12th minute. Demarai Gray blasted the woodwork from outside the eighteen area, and the ball ricochet off David de Gea’s back.
Everton equalized two minutes later following a horrendous mistake by de Gea. The Spaniard could only gaze when the ball went through his legs. Conor Coady poked home to put the Toffees on level terms.
Christian Eriksen found Anthony Martial, who exchanged passes with Rashford before blasting home, but Jordan Pickford came to the party to keep the scoreline intact.
Eriksen attempted a shot from a promising position following cute intricate passes. His effort curled slightly over the bar.
First-half scoreline finished at 1-1. The home side largely dominated the proceedings.
Second-half: Manchester United 3-1 Everton
United straightaway burst in attack. On the 52nd minute, Rashford picked up the ball wide on the left flank. He played a blazing pass which ricochet off Coady to hand United the lead through own-goal.
Antony nearly scored the third goal. The Brazillian jinxed from the right flank before unleashing a shot which strucked straight into the path of Pickford.
Abdoulaye Doucouré flicked the ball towards Seamus Coleman, and the latter blasted his shot on target. However, de Gea made himself big to deny Everton an equalizer.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin found the back of the net just moments after Lampard introduced him. Unfortunately, the goal was ruled out for offside after a lengthy check by VAR.
On the 89th minute, Pickford denied Rashford a third goal. The ball may have been looping over the bar anyway.
Alejandro Garnacho was fouled in the eighteen area deep in stoppage time. The referee did not hesitate to point to the spot-kick to award a penalty.
Rashford converted the spot kick to put the results beyond doubt. The scoreline finished at 3-1 to Manchester United.
Marcus Rashford class
Rashford was involved in all three goals. His overall performance was enough to earn him Player of the Match award in three consecutive fixtures.
Express quoted the remarks of Erik ten Hag on the outstanding display of Rashford. Speaking to the media house after the match, the boss said:
“But, to be fair, he can play across the frontline. On some occasions, he can play just behind. So we can use him also as a tactical weapon and he’s scoring from every position.”
The boss added: “When he keeps his focus, I’m convinced he will score even more goals.”
Everton boss, Frank Lampard further praised the Englishman: “Marcus Rashford was probably the difference. A top individual talent can do that to you.”
Rashford spoke on his desire to help the team to win silverware during post-match interview. The English international said:
“It’s always nice to go through in cup games and the FA Cup is definitely a special one to play in,” he said.
Marcus added: “We’re pleased to go through to the next round and more importantly we keep momentum going and winning games.”
“In terms of performances, it’s probably the best that I’ve been so I feel good on the pitch, I’m getting into positions and areas to score goals. If I keep creating chances, I feel like I’ll keep scoring.”
“That’s [winning a trophy is] the aim, that’s why we do what we do and why we work so hard. We want to be in finals and the biggest games.”
“Ultimately, we want to be win silverware and a trophy. Hopefully this season we get a chance to do that.”
United quality for FA Cup fourth round
A victory for Manchester United has sent Ten Hag’s men to the fourth round of the FA Cup. The fixtures thereof are set to take place in February.
The FA Cup fourth round draw will take place on January 9, 2023, on or about 10:30 GMT. The draw will be broadcasted on Super Sport.
The Red Devils will face Charlton in the Carabao Cup quarter finals. The match will take place on Tuesday at Old Trafford.
