Solskjaer on Utd improvements ahead of Everton
Manchester United host Everton in the Premier League with both clubs having the chance to top the table if they claim the win.
United, currently fourth, head into the match off the back of a league defeat after Aston Villa scored at the death to win 1-0. And Bruno Fernandes’ missed penalty meant they took no points away from the match. The Portuguese international is sure to be called upon this weekend but one player who may once again miss out is Donny van de Beek.
The midfielder showed his frustration about being left on the bench during United’s Champions League win against Villarreal and it’s safe to say manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hasn’t reacted well: “I’ve got a squad of internationals and if we’re going to be successful we need positive energy, no sulkers. Donny has never affected his teammates negatively. As soon as I see players affecting the team negatively then that’s a different scenario and I’ll probably be firmer.”
Solskjaer will have to calm the unrest in his squad if he is to defeat Rafa Benitez’s Everton who have had a strong start to the season. They are currently fifth following four wins, one draw and a loss. A worry for the Toffees though comes through injuries as Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Seamus Coleman, Richarlison and Andre Gomes remain out and Alex Iwobi is in doubt for the clash. Ahead of the trip to Old Trafford, Benitez said: “I will say that he has a little problem, I don’t know if he will be available for tomorrow.”
Follow live minute-by-minute updates, live score and goal updates, analysis and reaction below:
Man Utd 0 – 0 Everton
35 mins: Yet again Everton work the ball into a dangerous area inside the United box.
Godfrey’s cross picks out Doucoure, whose goal-bound shot is this time blocked by Wan-Bissaka.
Of the two sides, Everton suddenly look the more likely to net first.
Thomas Fenton2 October 2021 13:09
Man Utd 0 – 0 Everton
32 mins: Chance for Everton!
Damarai Grey sprints pasts the United midfielders before unleashing a stinging shot from outside the box.
De Gea gets down well to push it wide, but its another warning sign for the Red Devils who are failing to control the game as they’d like.
Just after, Greenwood receives a yellow card for a slightly loose forwards tackle.
Thomas Fenton2 October 2021 13:06
Man Utd 0 – 0 Everton
28 mins: There’s a bit of handbags between the two sets of players after McTomminay attempted to pick Digne up from the ground following a firm challenge on the Everton man
Ref Michael Oliver calms the situation, with no cards being dished out by VAR.
Thomas Fenton2 October 2021 13:01
Man Utd 0 – 0 Everton
25 mins: Everton venture forward again in numbers.
The ball eventually reaches Rondon inside the United box, whose goalbound effort is blocked by Lindelof.
Worrying moments for the home side.
Thomas Fenton2 October 2021 12:58
Man Utd 0 – 0 Everton
20 mins: Chance for Cavani!
After a spell of sustained possession for Everton, the home side nearly take the lead.
The Uruguayan forward rises high to meet Martial’s cross, but can’t quite generate enough power to head past Pickford – who parries the ball away for a corner kick.
Thomas Fenton2 October 2021 12:54
Man Utd 0 – 0 Everton – chance!
15 mins: Michael Keane heads just wide from a dangerous Everton free-kick.
The former United defender’s effort wasn’t too far away from De Gea’s far post.
Thomas Fenton2 October 2021 12:48
Man Utd 0 – 0 Everton
Everton are just starting to play their way into the game, with Rondon winning a handful of free-kicks.
The away are pressing high, trying to pin United into their own half.
Thomas Fenton2 October 2021 12:47
Man Utd 0 – 0 Everton
11 mins: Greenwood fires a menacing ball across the Everton six-yard box, but none of the United players gamble to try and meet it.
Two minutes later, Solomon Rondon gets in behind the United backline, but cant quite get the ball out from under his feet.
That aside, its one-way traffic in Manchester.
Thomas Fenton2 October 2021 12:43
Man Utd 0 – 0 Everton – chance!
6 Mins: Aaron Wan Bissaka does brilliantly down the right, before standing up a teasing cross to the far post.
Anthony Martial meets it with a very tame – and some might say rusty – header.
It bounces harmlessly wide, but the warning bells will be going off already for Rafa Benitez.
Thomas Fenton2 October 2021 12:39
Man Utd 0 – 0 Everton
A bright start from United, who are very much on the front foot inside the first few minutes.
Bruno Fernandes is already pulling strings, just missing in his attempt to play Luke Shaw through on goal.
Thomas Fenton2 October 2021 12:35
More Stories
What are the Strongest Passports in The World?
What are the Most Common Types of Personal Injury Claims Filed in Albania?
The Kaaba Through the Ages: A Timeline of Its Construction and Reconstruction