Five things learned as Manchester United extend their winning form with a 3-1 against Everton in FA Cup

Manchester United continue their winning form in 2023 as Erik ten Hag’s men edge out a 3-1 win in a close encounter with Everton in the third round of the FA Cup. 

It was a quick start from United after Antony could tap in a Marcus Rashofrd cross from a couple of yards out. 

The early lead sparked the away side into a proactive approach, and their threat was starting to show. A cross was fumbled below David de Gea’s legs, and the blunder was bundled in by Conor Coady.

Read More: Manchester United 3-1 Everton: The Reds book their place in the next round of the FA Cup

The second half was more cagey before Rashford could open up the game again with a bit of skill by the byline, and Everton’s goal scorer deflected in his cross. 

Everton was again sparked into action, and they grabbed an equaliser, but it was quickly ruled out due to VAR. 

Marcus Rashford could net from twelve yards out in injury time after Alejandro Garnacho was cynically bought down. 

Here are five things learned:

1) Erik ten Hag’s preference is clear, and he isn’t going to change 

In Ten Hag‘s brief yet impactful, he has shown many facets of his management structure. One is that if he performs a particular stylistic part of the team, he will continue with that. And that has been shown in his handling of the makeshift options at centre-back. 

With Lisandro Martínez’s success at the World Cup, his been given an extended break. Martínez’s departure from the team meant Luke Shaw and Casemiro, especially the latter. 

Shaw, specifically, has successfully deputised in the left centre-back position — keeping Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelöf — traditional centre-backs — out of the team. 

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The continuing trust in Shaw from Ten Hag has indicated the Dutch manager’s preference for having a left-footed option in the position. Despite the defensive solidity of the aforementioned pair in the previous fixture against Bournemouth, Ten Hag has a system preference and is sticking with it.

2) Time on Anthony Martial is running out 

Despite the attacking endeavour from United in recent games, the need for a strike has still been evident. 

Anthony Martial currently occupies the striker position and has done an on-and-off basis since he arrived in 2016. 

Read More: Discussion: Where does Anthony Martial’s future lie under Erik ten Hag?

The inconsistent nature of the Frenchmen has been a source of frustration for United fans, and in recent years the mixture of injuries has expanded such frustrations. 

This seaons has been no diffrent. His lack of goals and injuries have put much of the goal-scoring weight on Marcus Rashford and Antony.  

His value at United is slowly decreasing.

3) Alejandro Garnacho is slowly but surely proving his worth 

Once again, Alejandro Garnacho’s impact off the bench proves to be valuable. 

At such a young age, the Argentine has made his influence known in many matches this season, and he did so again against Everton. 

He could latch onto a through ball by Bruno Fernandes, and the reckless tackle from Ben Godfrey, who was very complacent throughout the game, gave away the subsequent penalty. Garnacho’s brilliant work won the penalty for Marcus Rashford to score.

4) Even Casemiro needs a break 

The fatigue of a player who has played the last five games in a row showed with Casemiro tonight. 

The Brazilian has played an important role on and off the pitch for Erik ten Hag since he arrived in the summer. The part he has played this season demands a lot from him, physically and mentally, and it has shown. 

With Manchester City and Arsenal coming up in the league, Charlton Athletic in the Carabao Cup will be one of the few chances he will have to rest Casemiro. 

5) Tyrell Malacia is still learinnig

Tyrell Malacia’s first few months in English football have been exciting but still shows a lot of learning needed for the Dutch full-back. 

Coming into the team and having to bid his time at the start of the season, when he got the chance, he took it and was given an extended run in the team. But Shaw was able to earn his spot back and showed his value. 

Malacia has been given quite a bit of game-time recently; in some games, he has performed better, some not, but it is clear that he is still learning as a full-back and, more importantly, as a footballer.