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

Manchester United ran out 3-1 winners against Everton to book their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup. The result tonight extends United’s perfect record after the break and no doubt increases the uncertainty around Frank Lampard’s position as Everton manager.

Erik Ten Hag left nothing to chance with his team selection. Many expected rotation but the Manchester United boss went close to full strength, highlighting the importance of every competition.

Luke Shaw once again started ahead of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Lisandro Martinez at centre-back. Ten Hag explained why in his pre-match interview, “It’s a technical choice, he’s constructed a very good centre-back [relationship] with Rapha [Varane] and also Tyrell Malacia looks really strong, so I want to keep that.”

Diogo Dalot returned to the side ahead of the recently impressive Aaron Wan-Bissaka with the United manager hinting that Dalot remains his first choice stating “In Ty (Malacia) and Dalot we have two fullbacks who can come into midfield, who can make overlaps and make underlaps and we need that dynamic in our build up and possession.”

A scrappy start saw United take advantage to go ahead through Antony in the first three minutes. After a couple of turnovers from either side, Martial emerged with the ball on halfway to release Rashford down the left whose dragged cross found Antony who had the easy task of sliding the ball into an empty net. Everton were showing why they’re without a win since October.

Just a couple of minutes after United took the lead, Pickford gifted a golden chance to Martial after a sloppy clearance. To the Everton goalkeeper’s relief, Martial’s effort steered past the post. Gaps were glaring and the chances were coming thick and fast for the home team with Eriksen and Casemiro both having attempts on the Everton goal in quick succession.

After 10 minutes played, you’d be forgiven for thinking it would turn into a routine win for United but the tables quickly turned. An Everton break saw Demarai Gray hit the post from range to set alarm bells ringing. Seconds later, the ball was in the back of the net in thanks to one of the most bizarre goals the Theatre of Dreams has ever witnessed.

After some good work from Onana, Maupay prodded the ball across goal which would ordinarily be a routine collection for any goalkeeper, at any level, but not tonight. Surprisingly, the in-form United goalkeeper let the ball squirm between his legs, leaving Conor Coady to bundle the ball home and level the scores. It was definitely one to forget for David De Gea on a night where the Spanish Goalkeeper entered the top 10 in United’s all-time list of appearances.

A frantic game showed no signs of slowing down after Martial missed another golden opportunity when one on one with Jordan Pickford, with the England no.1 closing the angle quickly and making a good save. Martial would line up another effort shortly after which was blocked well.

The game settled down after an explosive start which seemed to suit Everton who frustrated United. The away side had moments on the counter but too often picked the wrong ball. Ten Hag’s men lacked the control they’ve shown in recent games and the first half ended in a stalemate with Everton much the happier side after the worst possible start.

The second half began in similar fashion but unfortunately saw Alex Iwobi having to leave on a stretcher after what looked like a serious ankle injury. It wouldn’t be long until United restored the advantage. Marcus Rashford picked up the ball on the left and after twisting Seamus Coleman inside and out, squared the ball across the box only for Conor Coady to turn the ball into his own net. With the lead restored, ‘Sacked in the morning’ rang around Old Trafford, directed at the Everton boss.

At the risk of history repeating, United once again looked suspect on the counter and The Toffess continued to probe. In particular when Seamus Coleman forced a good save from David De Gea on the angle around the hour mark.

Alejandro Garnacho and Fred were introduced in the 71st minute as Ten Hag attempted to freshen things up but it would be Frank Lampard’s changes that threatened to make the impact. Dominic Calvert-Lewin had a goal ruled out just five minutes after coming on in a tight offside call which summed up the way things are going for Everton at the moment.

The game was stretched and Everton looked most likely heading into the final stages, prompting further changes from Ten Hag as Lisandro Martinez was introduced with Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay not far behind.

With Everton pushing for a late equaliser, it opened the door for Alejandro Garnacho to drive at his man and force Godfrey into a challenge to win a penalty for his team. Marcus Rashford converted with virtually the last kick of the game and it was job done for The Reds.

United lacked the control and authority that they have shown in recent weeks tonight but in cup football, the only thing that matters is getting your name in the hat for the next round.

Erik Ten Hag will be keen to see a dramatic improvement when The Reds welcome Charlton Athletic to Old Trafford on Tuesday night in the Carabao Cup Quarter-Final.