Manchester United survived a late Everton onslaught before returning to winning ways, recording a 2-1 victory thanks to goals from Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba.
After a sketchy start to the game, Manchester United broke the deadlock through Paul Pogba after Anthony Martial had won a penalty upon being tripped by Idrissa Gueye. Pogba’s spot-kick was saved at first by Jordan Pickford before the Frenchman tapped in the rebound.
For the next goal, Pogba turned provider as Martial produced a magnificent curler that Pickford had no reply for. Manchester United though, faced a nervy last 15 minutes of the game as Gylfi Sigurdsson converted from the spot after Chris Smalling had brought Richarlison down in the box.
But, Jose Mourinho’s men held on for the narrow win that took them above Everton into 8th spot on the Premier League table. And, Manchester United fans hailed the contributions by Pogba and Martial, despite the duo’s profligacy in one way or another.
The French Connection ???? Brilliant finish from a martial, love myself a first time finish. pic.twitter.com/hmyv6K151h
— Aditya Rathod (@aditya_reds) October 28, 2018
Give him a new contract and do not drop him. Martial deserves it. Playing with such confidence.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) October 28, 2018
Pogba: "That Martial touch."
Tony's reaction is priceless! ?♥️ pic.twitter.com/35AEL0CVMr
— Aakash Bhatt (@aakashbhatt97) October 28, 2018
French connection and gloves #MUFC #MUNEVE #pogba #martial #martialfc pic.twitter.com/a4akSa1eUF
— Alex (@thudthief) October 28, 2018
FT: Great performance by United in the first half. Was steam rolling the 2nd half but thanks to Pogba for SHOWBOATING and making it difficult in the end. Martial should of made it 3-1 But besides that we controlled the game well. Martial and Pogba was class…. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/7ugLlvyobI
— UnitedPrime (@UnitedPrime19) October 28, 2018
Big positive from that match is Martial’s reaction at full time. He was on his knees disappointed in himself for missing that last chance. The standards he sets for himself are very high and his drive to improve is serving us well right now.
— The Man Utd Way (@TheManUtdWay) October 28, 2018
Martial Class Performance , Pogba Is magic, Fred Too Clever , Team Performance Great ❤️❤️❤️❤️ #MUNEVE
— Sika ManSon ⚠️ (@KofiGadget) October 28, 2018
This boy had the best view to that Martial stunner and boy does he look stunned? pic.twitter.com/TTMPJfTHod
— Kiran Ragh (@krwarrier) October 28, 2018
Paul Pogba's game by numbers vs. Everton:
most final third passes (25)
most shots (6)
most shots on target (5)
most shots from inside the box (4)
joint most dribbles (3)
second most chances created (2)
1 assist
1 goalA standout performance going forward… ?? pic.twitter.com/7QCdV7883r
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) October 28, 2018
I don’t care what anyone says Pogba and Martial link up play is too good.
What a finish from Martial 4 goals in the last 3 games in the Premier League❤️? https://t.co/d76FNUiv9B
— Tяυsτ №¹-Yahya™ (@RealistYahz) October 28, 2018
Fred impressed in a rare outing as well, and Manchester United fans hoped for the Brazilian to get more minutes under his belt.
City were chasing Fred for a reason. Fantastic in helping fast transition of play. We should play him more often if we wish to play better football.
— The United Link ? (@TheUnitedLink) October 28, 2018
Fred is the reason for quick transition. https://t.co/FykgMrzBVV
— The United Link ? (@TheUnitedLink) October 28, 2018
Fred is starting to adapt to English football. A very good performance from him. Certainly not the finished article, but improving with the chances he's given. Don't write him off.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) October 28, 2018
Fred is playing the type of game where you ask yourself, “why doesn’t he play more often?”
— FergieTime™️ (@SSIIIIUUUU) October 28, 2018
Fred ??? made a big difference and added a quicker pace to the side today with his quick passing and runs… ?⚫️⚪️
— James Eyre (@JamesEyre17) October 28, 2018
Meanwhile, Manchester United fans erred on the side of caution, even as they expressed their delight over returning to winning ways.
Positives: Manchester United could have scored three or four goals. Build up play looked quicker and flowed better. Martial's form.
Negatives: Pogba being too fancy. Smalling's decision making. Lack out of an outlet on the right wing.
Important three points.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) October 28, 2018
Job done for #mufc, just about.
Despite the poor last 30 I thought it was a deserved three points due to a very good display for the first 60. Linkup on the left between Shaw, Martial and Pogba a standout positive, especially in the first-half.
4 in 3 in the league for Martial. pic.twitter.com/O5UgAF2y87
— Josh Slinger (@JoshSlinger) October 28, 2018
Shaky towards the end but thought we played well for the most part. Pogba was immense and so was Martial once again. Thought Fred played well too. Much needed 3 points? pic.twitter.com/K6msgGT2po
— Marley? (@MRL3YY) October 28, 2018
Should have been comfortable for Manchester United until the end. #MUFC
— Naveen Ullal (@UllalIBT) October 28, 2018