Why did MU struggle to beat Everton?

The absence of key players left MU's play lacking vitality, slow, and predictable for much of the match against Everton.

Bruno Fernandes alone is not creative enough for MU. Photo: Reuters .

In the 29th minute at Hill Dickinson Stadium, Bruno Fernandes dribbled the ball down the right flank and gestured for a passing combination.

However, with no one moving in sync, the Manchester United captain was forced to turn his back to Jordan Pickford's goal to keep possession. A counter-attacking opportunity slipped away. That was one of the moments that clearly reflected the visitors' deadlock.

The problems that were evident in the draw against West Ham continued to reappear as Michael Carrick's team played too defensively. The players were close together but lacked breakthrough movement. The speed of ball circulation was not fast enough to stretch Everton's low defensive block.

Lisandro Martinez's injury was a significant factor. He was absent due to a calf injury just hours before kick-off. Manchester United lacked the ability to escape pressing and build play from the back, which are strengths of the Argentinian center-back.

On the left wing, Patrick Dorgu is still sidelined with a hamstring injury and is expected to be out until mid-April. Without him, MU's left flank is significantly slowed down. Matheus Cunha has good technique and attacking intelligence, but his tendency to drift into the center makes the space in front of the opponent's penalty area even more congested.

In successful matches under Carrick, MU often used short passes followed by sudden bursts of speed across each line. Against Everton, for the first hour or so, they lacked the precision and rhythm to do that.

At one point, Fernandes shot the ball over the crossbar, then turned to react angrily to referee Darren England. That image evokes a hot-tempered, impatient Fernandes who has to shoulder too much creative responsibility.

It was only when Carrick made adjustments in the second half that the game changed. And then Benjamin Sesko, from a delicate pass by Cunha, scored the decisive goal. MU secured all three points, but the creative problem remains unresolved.

Source: https://znews.vn/vi-sao-mu-chat-vat-thang-everton-post1629783.html