Everton player ratings vs Manchester United: Pickford fantastic but five others poor in 2-0 loss

Everton traveled to Old Trafford in search of just their second win in the last 29 games at the Theatre of Dreams. Sean Dyche’s men took on Manchester United as they entered the game on a four match unbeaten streak. The streak ended as Everton lost 2-0 to Manchester United and could potentially slip down the table as relegation battlers Leicester City, Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth play later on Saturday.

Dyche was forced to make a change as Abdoulaye Doucoure was suspended for the game following his red card in the last game against Tottenham Hotspur. Ellis Simms came in for Doucoure and started up top, partnering with Gray in the attack.

Everton were easily split apart and without Jordan Pickford’s heroics, Everton would have easily conceded three to four goals in the first half. After knocking on the door for far too long, United finally managed to barge in through Scott McTominay. Anthony Martial scored in the 70th minute to seal the game and three points for United.

Everton player ratings vs Manchester United

Jordan Pickford – 8

Jordan Pickford was called to save an early shot from Marcel Sabitzer. Pickford made a spectacular close range save from Marcus Rashford as he got the better of James Tarkowski but Pickford made a brave save. Immediately following the save, the English keeper came flying out of his line to deal with a threatening looking cross.

The Englishman had a busy first half as he made another spectacular save from Antony’s powerful shot. Making save after save, Pickford was finally beaten through Scott McTominay’s shot as MUFC took the lead. Pickford made multiple saves in the second half too as he kept the scoreline respectable.

Seamus Coleman – 5

Seamus Coleman has had to deal with the ridiculous pace of Jadon Sancho. Coleman made a huge mistake as ball was caught in his legs which lead to United’s second goal as Anthony Martial scored to seal the game for the hosts.

Michael Keane – 5

Michael Keane was good in the air but getting past the Everton backline was becoming an easy task for MUFC in the first half. Keane was constantly on his toes as United got into dangerous positions.

James Tarkowski – 6

James Tarkowski has struggled positionally as a fluid Manchester United frontline has troubled Everton throughout the first half. The Everton backline was being split open far too easily in the opening 45 minutes and it was a surprise that the hosts only scored once. Tarkowski had his work cut out in the second half too.

Ben Godfrey – 5

Ben Godfrey made a tremendous recovery run to stop Antony from scoring in a one on one situation. Apart from that, the former Norwich City man has been caught out several times and misjudged balls that allowed Antony to leave his marker and maraud forward. Godfrey was taken off at halftime for Vitaliy Mykolenko.

Idrissa Gueye – 6

Idrissa Gueye has been in the thick of things, often winning the ball back and protecting the rearguard. The Senegalese has had to work hard constantly as MUFC pushed Everton on the back foot. Gueye did an excellent job in winning the ball back from Rashford in the second half as he was very close to Everton’s goal.

Gueye and James Garner made a straight midfield swap as the 33 year old came off for the former Manchester United man.

Amadou Onana – 5

Amadou Onana had a mixed first half. He had a chance but he headed over the bar and then didnt looked as involved as he was at the start. He was not able to provide the energy and the thrust in the midfield. The Belgian seemed to have a niggle and was finally taken off in the 59th minute as Tom Davies came on for him.

Alex Iwobi – 6

Alex Iwobi rushed back in the nick of time to stop a through ball to Rashford who looked clear on goal. The Nigerian launched a quick counter attack as he released Gray but the move only resulted in a corner. Iwobi’s presence faded out in the second half as Everton couldn’t get forward and produce anything meaningful.

Dwight McNeil – 6

Dwight McNeil worked relentlessly in both halves but as Manchester United showed their authority and superiority, McNeil has had more defensive work to do. Similar to Iwobi, McNeil’s involvement also dwindled in the second half, especially after the seoncd goal as the majority of the game was being played in the Everton half.

Demarai Gray – 6

With Simms coming in, Gray had a partner up top but as the game progressed, Gray often dropped in spaces and allowed Simms to play as the lone man up front. He was given some freedom to roam as Everton often changed to a 4-4-1-1 shape and looked decent in the role but still failed to conjure up any clear cut chance. Gray looked electric but needed some support which never came as United were solid in winning the ball back.

Ellis Simms – 5

Simms scored a massive goal against Chelsea and had another opportunity to impress against the mighty Manchester United. Simms had an early shot blocked as Harry Maguire made a timely block at the start of the game.

Simms missed a golden chance to put Everton ahead as he had time and space to pull the trigger from Coleman’s cutback but the 22 year old put a tame shot wide. Simms was often alienated in the front as Everton remained on the back foot.

Substitutions:

Vitaliy Mykolenko – 5

Vitaliy Mykolenko came on for Godfrey as the Englishman struggled in his battle with Antony.

Tom Davies – 5

Tom Davies came on for Onana as Dyche brought on fresh legs for the final 30 minutes. Davies and Garner could not provide the desired midfield stability as they were being outnumbered and outsmarted by the United midfield.

James Garner – 5

Gueye came off for James Garner. Garner struck a shot with ferocity as ball dropped to him from a corner but was blocked.

Neal Maupay – 4

Neal Maupay came on for Simms in the 70th minute. Maupay didn’t offer any threat as Everton looked toothless going forward.

Nathan Patterson – N/A

Nathan Patterson came on for the final four minutes plus stoppage time in place of Coleman.

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