Manchester United earned an unlikely draw against Everton with a late comeback performance following another Jekyll and Hyde showing under Ruben Amorim.
Goals from Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte erased a two-goal Goodison Park deficit as the David Moyes Merseyside show continues to impress Premier League audiences.
The travelling Reds were forced to stomach another largely disenchanting showing from their side but departed in fine voice, having observed a spirited fightback and a nervy VAR intervention in injury time.
Their side remain 15th in the table and 13 points above Ipswich Town ahead of the midweek meeting in the North West. With much to unpack, here are our five talking points.
An inexcusable opening 45
On a day when the United faithful hoped for a performance befitting the occasion, their side barely replicated a Premier League outfit in the opening half.
Attacking transitions were lethargic and predictable, with Jordan Pickford a spectator throughout.
While in defence, it was as if the back three never operated together. This group displayed positive defensive cohesion when Amorim arrived in the North West but regressed in recent months and has sorely craved the vigour of Lisandro Martinez.
As a collective, the 20-time English champions were outdone in the battle, losing ground duels (17/37), aerial duels (8/17) and recoveries (26:21).
Truthfully, it was an unacceptable showing from a Manchester United side that continues to struggle to reclaim a sense of identity.
A potential catalyst for Ruben Amorim
Watching on from the sidelines with his usual desire to kick every ball, the former Sporting chief could barely believe his eyes throughout 70 minutes of play.
Staring down the barrel of another forgettable outing and the prospect of being drawn closer to a relegation battle, the Portuguese tactician received a welcome reprieve.
The final 20-minute showing offered passion, desire and fight – attributes sorely missing during large parts of his tenure.
Although a point is far from what United requires at this stage of a troublesome campaign, the fightback offered hope for a beleaguered Amorim ahead of a busy schedule.
Bruno Fernandes delivers a captain’s performance
While many often point the finger at Fernandes when referencing an unlikeable persona and petulant attitude, he was the shining light for a troubled side.
From his magnificent free-kick that bemused Pickford to his delivery that ultimately resulted in a valuable equaliser, he was the definition of instrumental.
It was a captain’s performance at a necessary time and a further reminder of his importance for Amorim.
Furthermore, his strike brought his tally to 10 for the season, adding to his 12 assists collected in 38 appearances. Never doubt his worth in Red.
Patrick Dorgu continues to impress
Making his third appearance in Red, the former Lecce man was an undeniable bright spark in a forgettable opening half.
Operating on his favoured left flank, Dorgu offered endless running and a desire to present an option for his teammates during every passage.
Defensively, he earned eight ball recoveries and ground duels won alongside six invaluable clearances. Additionally, he added to this in transition with four crosses, 89 touches and 83% pass completion on a difficult afternoon.
United have acquired a talented footballer in the young Dane, and if his arrival is a sign of the calibre of athlete that Amorim requires, the hierarchy needs to do everything they can to back their man.
Joshua Zirkzee is growing with every performance
Few have divided the fanbase like the Dutchman, with his languid approach leaving an unsavoury taste in the mouths of some.
But, acting behind the striker in a role familiar to his Bologna days, Zirkzee’s grace and technical ability are a joy to watch.
His holdup play offers a unique dynamic in a dysfunctional attack, and his ability to link play – while not fully refined – is growing with every appearance.
Like many, he struggled to impose himself during a difficult opening 45, but he was integral alongside Fernandes when it mattered.
We can only hope this can continue.
What were your thoughts following a final Goodison Park outing between Manchester United and Everton?
Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.
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