Five Talking Points: Everton 0-3 Manchester United (Premier League)

Manchester United finally scored some goals.

Goodison Park is a difficult enough place to go as it is, but given the current situation with Everton receiving a 10-point deduction, Manchester United were walking into an active volcano. Yet three minutes in they produced an explosion themselves, with Alejandro Garnacho scoring a stunning overhead kick.

United did not make the first half easy for themselves, often playing into Everton’s hands, but they made it to halftime and coming out for the second half looked a much more composed team. Goals from Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial gave United a comfortable margin, a much-needed three points and perhaps more importantly, a much-needed three goals.

#1: Alejandro Garnacho

That goal could be an entire article.

Away from home, Manchester United have struggled under Erik ten Hag. Given the current situation at Everton, many were worried about what would be one of the most hostile atmospheres United will face all season and how the players would deal with it.

It took just three minutes for Alejandro Garnacho to quell those worries, with perhaps the best goal that English football has ever seen.

United bypassed Everton pressure with an excellent switch from Victor Lindelöf out to Marcus Rashford. Rashford slipped in Diogo Dalot who crossed the ball in, and with the ball hanging in the air Alejandro Garnacho leapt up to produce what is one of the sweetest connections you’ll ever find with a football.

Garnacho has not been the luckiest of players this season, with goals not being the easiest to come by, but he remains one of world football’s premier talents and showed that with this goal – his first of the Premier League season.

#2: Mainoo introduces himself to the mainstream

United fans have been hyping him for some time but now with all the lights on him, Kobbie Mainoo has truly introduced himself.

A remarkably talented 18-year-old, Mainoo stood out in just his second-ever start for Manchester United, the only other being last season in the cup against Charlton Athletic. Mainoo was brave in demanding the ball and showcased a level of composure that put some of his teammates to shame, whilst also working hard off the ball to defend – clearing the ball off the line at one point.

In the second half, he only grew in confidence and played some stunning passes. 70 minutes in the tank and fans will hope to see him get many more for years to come. Arguably Man of the Match.

#3: Rashford finally gets his goal

When United won a penalty, finally getting a favourable decision from VAR, most expected Bruno Fernandes to take it by default. But United’s captain benevolently handed the ball to Marcus Rashford, who has struggled to replicate last season’s goalscoring exploits so far this campaign with just one goal.

If Rashford did have any nerves stepping up, he certainly didn’t show them, slamming the ball into the roof of the net. The goal provides a needed boost for Rashford, and fans will be hoping it sets him off on another one of his goalscoring runs. With a tough set of fixtures up ahead, United could certainly do with it.

#4: André Onana is finding his feet in a United shirt

He didn’t have the easiest first couple of months at Old Trafford, but André Onana has been incredibly solid in recent games for Manchester United and against Everton had maybe his most complete performance yet.

In the first half, he was often the player calming the game down with the ball at his feet, playing on Everton’s emotional state and using both of his feet to play out of pressure – something Everton struggled with.

He also made a plethora of incredible saves and high claims, preventing Everton from getting back into the game. Starting to show why Erik ten Hag was desperate to reunite with him.

#5: Martial vs Everton, it was inevitable

Every single time.

It was not the best first half for Anthony Martial, starting just his third league game of the season, but in the second half, he woke up. Some clever play saw him win a penalty that Marcus Rashford dispatched, and he added the icing on the cake for United with a delightful finish to make it 3-0.

There have been reports of United wanting an experienced striker in January, but if he can remain fit, Martial displayed why he could possibly still be that.