What Ten Hag got right from stands as Man Utd win and overcome Everton protests
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Manchester United overcame a hostile Everton atmosphere to claim an impressive 3-0 victory on the road.
Alejandro Garnacho stunned a protesting home crowd into silence with a jaw-dropping overhead kick after less than three minutes at Goodison Park. The Red Devils were perhaps fortunate to head into the break level as the Toffees pushed back.
But Anthony Martial winning a penalty, which was initially ruled as a dive before a VAR check at the monitor, relieved the pressure after the break as Marcus Rashford rifled home into the top corner with pinpoint accuracy.
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Martial then added a third himself with a little over 15 minutes to go to all-but confirm the victory, which took United up to sixth in the table and within four points of the top four.
Erik ten Hag was forced to watch on from the stands as he served his touchline ban – and Daily Star Sport has highlighted what he got right.
Trusting Kobbie Mainoo
Ten Hag clearly had big plans for Mainoo as he featured heavily in pre-season before he suffered an untimely injury. The 18-year-old's minutes have been managed in the youth set-up in recent weeks as he worked back to full fitness.
But it was absolutely the correct decision to bring him straight back into the first-team starting XI for a full Prem debut instead of Sofyan Amrabat, whose United career has failed to get going since his summer arrival.
Mainoo showed maturity beyond his years in a tricky environment which could've easily overwhelmed someone of his age, setting an example for any defensive midfielder to follow.
What did you think of United's performance? Let us know in the comments section.
Getting Luke Shaw back into the XI
While there's a perfectly valid train of thought that Shaw should be slowly reintegrated into the side after yet another injury lay-off, he was vital during a first-half onslaught from the hosts.
Both United and England have sorely missed the left-back over the last three months, with his solid showings arguably still underrated by some sections of club and country supporters.
It's been a particular problem position for Ten Hag, who's also brutally had to cope with back-up Tyrell Malacia being out and third-choice Sergio Regullion temporarily sidelined.
Shaw's minutes can be managed going forward, but he had to be named on the teamsheet at Goodison for much-needed stability at the back.
Giving Harry Maguire a second chance
You'd be forgiven for counting Maguire down and out at United just a matter of weeks ago, but Ten Hag leaned on him during his defensive injury crisis and he's been rewarded.
He's been a rock in a team that's been crying out for a leader, which most certainly isn't Bruno Fernandes, and put in another no-nonsense performance today.
It's now hard to argue his spot in both the United side and Gareth Southgate's strongest Three Lions line-up for Euro 2024, which is a much-needed boost for him.
Counter-attacking football
Garnacho's early strike afforded United the luxury of sitting back, but it was right move to soak up the pressure rather than pushing for another in the first half.
Both the second and third goals came off the back of flowing counter-attacks, with Everton exposed as they committed bodies forward.
Substitute Facundo Pellistri played a big part in Martial getting on the scoresheet and the game ultimately played into Ten Hag's hands over the course of the 90 minutes.
- Erik ten Hag
- Manchester United FC
- Premier League
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