In a much-needed victory for Manchester United, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford sealed the deal with penalty shots, securing a 2-0 win against Everton on Saturday. This win not only breaks United’s dry spell in the Premier League, but it also reignites their aspirations for a top-four finish.
Although Erik ten Hag‘s squad remains in sixth place, their tally of 47 points brings them closer to Aston Villa in fourth, who sit at 55 points with a game advantage. Tottenham, occupying fifth place with 50 points and two games in hand, will host Villa the following day. On the other hand, Sean Dyche’s Everton find themselves in 16th place with 25 points, maintaining a five-point cushion above the relegation zone.
The penalties that secured United’s victory were a result of clumsy tackles on Alejandro Garnacho, both of which were against the run of play. Despite Everton’s dominance in midfield, United capitalized on their chances. Fernandes converted the first penalty in the 12th minute, while United’s captain passed the ball to Rashford for the second penalty in the 36th minute. Rashford’s clever stutter-step deceived goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, sealing United’s triumph.
