Manchester United may have fought back to secure a 2-2 draw against Everton on Saturday, but their performance, particularly in the first half, left much to be desired.
The Red Devils were trailing 2-0 at half-time after a dreadful showing at Goodison Park, but a second-half rally led by Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick and a Manuel Ugarte equalizer spared them from a loss.
A Rocky First Half
It was a difficult 45 minutes for Manchester United, who seemed lost on the pitch.
Their lack of intensity, poor defending, and weak pressing were all on full display as Everton took full advantage, with goals from Beto and Abdoulaye Doucoure giving them a deserved lead at the break.
United’s struggles this season, now sitting 15th in the Premier League standings, were evident as they were punished for their lackluster play.
Alan Shearer Doesn’t Hold Back in Criticism
Former Premier League star Alan Shearer was quick to point out the individual errors in Manchester United’s defense during the first half.
On Match of the Day, he didn’t mince words when discussing the performance of Bruno Fernandes, Rasmus Højlund, and Diogo Dalot.
Shearer was particularly unimpressed with Dalot’s defensive positioning, criticizing how he stood off Everton’s Jack Harrison during a key attack.
He also slammed Fernandes and Højlund for their poor pressing, which allowed Everton to build up play unchallenged, leading to Doucoure’s goal.
Shearer said, “Watch Man United, watch this, I mean this is pathetic.
You’ve got players who are walking. There’s no point in going in ones and twos.
Look at the space Everton have got to play in.”
He pointed out how Dalot was too far off his man, making it easy for Everton to find space, and how the United players failed to put in the necessary effort to disrupt Everton’s attacking flow.
A Lack of Effort and Direction
Shearer was particularly critical of the lack of effort from the United players, particularly Fernandes, during Everton’s second goal.
“Seriously, is that the best you can do?” he said, referring to Fernandes’ lackluster attempt to track Doucoure as he made his run for the goal.
Shearer highlighted how United’s defense was all over the place, allowing Everton to move the ball easily and create chances without much resistance.
“It’s so easy for you because no one’s working,” Shearer remarked.
He also expressed his frustration with the overall confusion in United’s play.
“To me, it’s Confused.com. I’m not sure they know what they’re doing in there.”
He didn’t hold back on the criticism, calling United’s performance over the first 72 minutes “hopeless” and noting that certain players seem to be struggling with their roles.
A Draw, but Concerns Remain
Despite United’s second-half comeback, it was clear that their overall performance left a lot to be desired.
The 2-2 draw against Everton did offer a glimmer of hope, but the fact remains that Manchester United’s current form is concerning.
With 12 losses already this season, the team has a lot of work to do if they want to turn things around and salvage their campaign.
The players and coaching staff will have to reflect on their mistakes as they prepare for the next challenge.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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