Manchester United were held to a 2-2 draw by Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday, 6 September, in the Premier League. Goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko were not enough as the Red Devils conceded in the sixth minute of the second-half injury time to drop points.
Michael Carrick named an unchanged side for the game, retaining the team that secured a 5-2 win over Ipswich Town last weekend at Old Trafford. That meant that Senne Lammens continued in goal, with the back-four comprising Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw.
The new midfield partnership of Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans showed promise against the Tractor Boys and were tasked with keeping the team ticking against the Toffees. Marcus Rashford, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo started together in attack once again, with Bruno Fernandes operating in his favoured No. 10 position.
Benjamin Sesko came on in the second half in the last two games and started on the bench once again. Mason Mount, who missed the opening two matches with an injury, was also named among the substitutes.
United drop points on Merseyside
United started the game well before Everton threatened to take the lead. Fernandes hit the woodwork as the first half ended 0-0.
The Red Devils, however, had a blistering start to the second half, taking the lead through a fantastic Mbeumo goal in the 46th minute. Carrick’s team, though, appeared to take the foot off the gas after going ahead, and Everton struck through Tyrique George in the 83rd minute.
While it looked like United would have to settle for a draw, up stepped Sesko, who had replaced Cunha in the 70th minute. Shaw sent in an inviting cross and the Slovenian headed it home in the 88th minute.
Everton pushed for a late equaliser and found one through substitute Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who scored almost with the last kick of the game to secure a point for the hosts. While the Red Devils will be disappointed with the result, Mainoo’s performance will certainly please fans.
Mainoo assured once again
Mainoo was exquisite last weekend against Ipswich Town even though Fernandes took all the plaudits. The English midfielder has emerged as one of United’s most important players since Carrick’s arrival, and proved his worth once again on Sunday.
The 21 year old registered 94 touches of the ball, and attempted 76 passes with a 96% completion rate. Mainoo executed two long balls, and both of them found their intended targets.
The Englishman also managed two key passes, and most importantly, set up Mbeumo to score the opener. The youngster was involved in seven duels, coming out on top in four of them, and was fouled twice.
Mainoo registered two clearances, one interception and two tackles. He also attempted three dribbles, completing one of them, before being replaced by Andrey Santos in the 84th minute.
Kobbie Mainoo Stats vs Everton
| Statistic | Kobbie Mainoo |
|---|---|
| Touches | 94 |
| Accurate passes | 73/76 (96%) |
| Key passes | 2 |
| Crosses (accurate) | - |
| Long balls (accurate) | 2 (2) |
| Duels (won) | 8 (5) |
| Ground duels (won) | 8 (5) |
| Aerial duels (won) | - |
| Possession lost | 7 |
| Fouls | - |
| Was fouled | 2 |
| Offsides | - |
| Defensive actions | 5 |
| Clearances | 2 |
| Blocked shots | 0 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Tackles (won) | 2 |
| Dribbled past | - |
| Shots on target | 0 |
| Expected goals (xG) | - |
| Shots off target | - |
| Shots blocked | 0 |
| Dribbles (successful) | 3 (1) |
Source: Sofascore.
Final Thoughts
Mainoo showed once again why he will be a vital cog in Carrick’s midfield this season. While the Englishman has worked well alongside Tielemans so far, fans will be eager to see how the Mainoo-Carlos Baleba partnership at work soon.
Featured image by Naomi Baker/Getty Imagesd
