After a dreadful defeat at the hands of rivals Manchester City, Manchester United look to recuperate against Everton. With the Red Devils under fire, it is worth looking back at some positive moments that led to the fixture against Manchester City. The moments shall highlight various areas that the club has improved.
Man United Versus Liverpool
Manchester United went into their fixture against Liverpool on 22nd August, 2022 at Old Trafford as underdogs after losing two games in a row against Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford. Erik Ten Hag cancelled a day off as Man United players as punishment. During which, the players ran 13.9 kilometers. As a result, the Man United players ran 114 kilometers (combined) in their 2-1 win against Liverpool, which was 20 kilometers further than the week before against Brentford. Ten Hag made brave selection calls for this game by replacing Harry Maguire with Raphael Varane in the starting line-up. Liverpool could not cope with Man United showing a bit of fight and character as they made 106 sprints in the game.
Away Days
Man Utd set a standard with their performance against Liverpool, and it was significant that they continued the good form into their next game. They traveled to Southampton on 27th August, 2022. You cannot afford to concede free kicks or corners against The Saints, as James Ward-Prowse is remarkable with his delivery. £70 million new signing Casemiro from Real Madrid was in the Man United squad for the Southampton clash, but stayed on the bench until the last 10 minutes. A strike from Bruno Fernandes was enough to beat Southampton 0-1. A composed finish by Jadon Sancho meant that Man United won three consecutive games in the Premier League for the first time since December 2021.
Man United Versus Arsenal
Another test for Erik Ten Hag as the Gunners traveled to Old Trafford on 4th September, 2022. Ten Hag decided to give the new £86 million signing Anthony his debut against Arsenal but left Casemiro and Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench. VAR, Lee Mason, advised referee Paul Tierney to look at a goal from Arsenal on the monitor. As a result, the goal was disallowed due to a foul by Martin Odegaard on Christian Eriksen. Despite Arsenal having 60% possession, Man United was effective from counter attacks, as the home side won 3-1.
Queen Elizabeth
Man United had serious momentum after winning four consecutive Premier League games. They were due to face Crystal Palace and Leeds United before the International break. Queen Elizabeth II sadly passed away subsequently. The games faced a halt. The halt put a stop to journey that Manchester United were on.Â
Manchester Derby
After four weeks, Manchester United made a trip trip to the Etihad. Ten Hag picked the same team that started against Arsenal on 4th September but by consensus, the game may have been more suitable for Casemiro and Cristiano Ronaldo. With Man City not having Rodri available for the game, Manchester United had a chance. Manchester United lacked precision in passing and lacked control. They were capitulated as they were four nil behind at the half time. The right side of Man United’s defense was ripped to shreds early on as Diogo Dalot received a yellow card after two minutes.
Double Hat-Trick
Manchester derby, touted as a leveler, Manchester United entered the game with confidence. Manchester United were outplayed and outclassed by the home side. The gap between the two Manchester clubs is growing exponentially due to the arrival of Erling Haaland. Erling Haaland has scored three consecutive hat-tricks at the Etihad since his decent debut. Man City’s fourth goal against Man Utd was simply poetry in motion. If Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, and Erling Haaland continue that partnership, City could win the Premier League by a sizeable margin. Man United scored three goals in the second half, but by then, the game was over.
Manchester United Look To Recuperate Against Everton
Despite the defeat, there are positives that Manchester United has experienced in the past month. In the upcoming fixture against Everton, they will hope to get back to winning ways in the Premier League.
