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Man United 3–1 Everton
by James Nalton
at Old Trafford
MANCHESTER UNITED’S victory against Everton in the FA Cup on Friday night means they have now won 14 of their last 17 games in all competitions.
They have lost only once in that time, and suddenly appear to be able to compete on multiple fronts.
Despite their impressive performances of late, manager Erik ten Hag says attacking reinforcements are needed in January to help manage players’ workload.
The United boss spoke of the importance of striker Anthony Martial to his team but says the Frenchman needs support in order to be at his peak when he does play.
“Anthony can’t match the load at this time for this many games,” said the United boss.
“His physical load at the moment is so high that he can’t play a game of 90 mins every three days.
“His profile, the quality of Anthony Martial, is so important to our game. His movement, his ball security, and the pressing.
“We need that profile [of player] to be a threat, and Marcus Rashford also benefits from that.”
Rashford did benefit against Everton, scoring from the spot but also being instrumental in much of United’s good play. He was deservedly named Man of the Match.
Ten Hag is setting high standards at the club, not only for himself and the players but also for those managing the club’s recruitment, as evident in his clarity regarding where reinforcements are needed.
The results of this are becoming apparent, and the Dutchman is beginning to make United a force once again.
There are signs of the old, good United in this team. Not just in the way they take the lead through flashes of brilliance from someone like Rashford, but the way they were able to hold onto it.
They are annoying the opposition players and opposition fans again, as they did under Alex Ferguson.
Fred and Lisandro Martinez came off the bench to perform some part in that, not giving up on anything despite being ahead and not allowing Everton players a moment of time or a smidgen of space.
It helped them through to the next round of the cup, which is welcome progress running parallel to their Premier League form.
