Amid Evertonian grievance, a beleaguered group delivered their best performance and result of the campaign. Sadly for Everton, that victorious side was Manchester United. And if Erik ten Hag, forced to watch on from the stands as he served a touchline ban, can point out this was his side’s fifth win in six league games, United had failed the major tests this season. In the hostility of an angry Goodison Park, a side missing eight injured players passed this one in unexpectedly impressive fashion.
Deducted 10 points, Everton were unable to claw back three but when, galvanised by a sense of injustice, they launched an onslaught, United survived it. If Ten Hag has appeared to have a revolving-doors selection policy in midfield this season, a decision to hand a first Premier League start to 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo, who was chosen ahead of the World Cup semi-finalist Sofyan Amrabat, was justified by a goal-line clearance, and much else besides. Another welcome development for United was Luke Shaw’s first appearance since August.
