United View: United show some character in an unlikely comeback

Chants of ‘Going down, going down, going down’ could be heard around Goodison Park as Everton took a first half- two-goal lead against Manchester United.

It was a harsh reality check as United looked to be dragged closer to the relegation zone. However, a late turnaround saw United save face, even if they almost threw it away in the dying minutes.

The United manager said his team ‘didn’t exist’ in the opening 45 minutes, as Beto and Abdoulaye Doucoure put the Toffees ahead, with United playing poorly, losing the ball under little pressure, failing to clear their lines and attacking opportunities scarce.

As much as we can argue that the tactics don’t align with the squad, Saturday was less down to the shape and more on players failing to do the basics. On more than one occasion, United gave the ball away with little to no pressure. The signs of a team running on little to no confidence.

Even the goals United concede stem more from individual errors than tactical flaws. Take Beto’s goal as an example; the Reds make five failed attempts to clear the ball from a corner before the ball fumbles its way to the Everton man to score. It’s a collective issue that’s been a huge problem this season.

Despite this, Amorim kept his side the same after halftime, wanting his players to focus on what they had done in training rather than ripping it up and starting again. He later suggested that United showed more energy in the second half.

The Reds were better after the break; however, the momentum didn’t shift until Bruno Fernandes’ free kick in the 72nd minute found the back of the net—United’s first shot on target of the game. The equaliser would also come via a set piece: another Fernandes free kick, this time crossed in, was headed out to Manuel Ugarte, who volleyed home his first Manchester United goal.

United had late chances but lacked cutting edge in the final third, with Hojlund and Zirkzee struggling for much of the game to have an impact. The addition of young striker Chido Obi offered the Reds a different dynamic, but it would be unfair to expect the 17-year-old to resolve United’s attacking woes.

Everton almost won all three points when a stoppage-time penalty was awarded for a foul on ex-Red Ashley Young. However, the Reds have VAR to thank for suggesting that referee Andy Madley reconsider his decision. He obliged, sparing United a 13th defeat in the Premier League.

Considering the state of things at half-time, a point isn’t a terrible result, but it does little to United’s league position, with Amorim’s side sitting 15th in the table. United should avoid relegation, but there is little to suggest things will improve in the coming weeks.

Ipswich come to Old Trafford on Wednesday – which hasn’t been played at the time of writing. Kieran McKenna’s side earned a point in Ruben Amorim’s first game in charge, and anything other than a win could put United in a very uncomfortable position.

Amorim was keen to have free weeks, so he had more time to work with his side, but he’s just had three now, and United still look lost. Wins will no doubt help change the mood and provide some confidence going into an important clash with Real Sociedad in the Europa League – arguably the most important focus for United right now.

Amorim still has the support of the fans, and with a proper summer, you’d expect things to improve. But right now, United are struggling, and finding solutions isn’t easy.