By Odiko Godwin
It was not a pleasant homecoming for Wayne Rooney, as Man Utd thrashed Everton 4-0 at Old Trafford to maintain their brilliant start to the campaign.
But what could be learned?
The good old "Fergie days" are back
During Sir Alex Ferguson's era, United were synonymous with late minute goals, hence, the tag "Fergie Time". On several occasion during the days of the legendary Scott have United wrap games up in the closing stages: sometimes coming from losing positions to win the game.
But since Ferguson retired in 2013, the story hasn't remained the same until this season. As United lacked that cutting edge in those dying stages to win or get results from matches. This campaign has seen United score nine out of their sixteen goals so far in the final ten minutes of games. With United scoring three in that same duration against Everton at Old Trafford. The swagger is now back, and Manchester United are playing the way Manchester United should. Happy old days reincarnated.
Against all odds Matic and Fellaini excelled together
One would think having those two together in midfield(in the absence of Paul Pogba)will result to United's midfield lacking mobility, flexibility and creativity, but, it was not so - as those two were solid defensively and, with Matic doing more of the creativity - connecting the midfield with attack with his long passes infield, United didn't miss the Frenchman that much, at least, for the game against Everton.
Everton should be doing better after spending £140m in the window
Having spent that sum in the market, much will definitely be required of the team, and they have so far failed to show anything "differential" from the Everton of last season; save for their draw at the Ethihads.
Though, it's obvious Lukaku was very much pivotal to their achievements last season, and his absence is still duly felt, questions will be asked of Ronald Koeman - after spending such colossal amount in the window, and his side continue in this form, having lost four matches on the trot without scoring.
José Mourinho still haven't lost any league home match as a manager played on a Sunday and he finally gets one over Koeman
The Portuguese is known for having zero tolerance to losing at home as a manager - as he has shown in every club he has managed. And on Sunday against Everton, the former Chelsea and Real Madrid manager extended his run of staying unbeaten in all league home matches as a manager played across Portugal, England, Italy and Spain on a Sunday. 105 matches in all.
In addition, Mourinho finally beat Ronald Koeman at the sixth time of asking. He had previously drawn four and lost one of his meetings with the Dutchman.
Another tactical masterpiece from the Portuguese
José Mourinho has had an outstanding second season at every club he's managed. And if all United's impressive showings so far are anything to write about, he is set for a "stellar" season at United in his second year at the club.
He has impressed United's fans so far in this campaign with his tactical panoply, and against Everton, his decision to play Fellaini and Matic in midfield paid off and, it was his changes that brought about the late flurry of goals: which saw Lingard introduced in the second half assisting Lukaku, and Martial who came on for Mkhitaryan - doing well to create a penalty - which he also dispatched sumptuously to ensure a humiliating evening for Wayne Rooney and his Everton team.
Photo source: Twitter/@Manutd, @RonaldKoeman, and Getty Images
It was not a pleasant homecoming for Wayne Rooney, as Man Utd thrashed Everton 4-0 at Old Trafford to maintain their brilliant start to the campaign.
But what could be learned?
The good old "Fergie days" are back
During Sir Alex Ferguson's era, United were synonymous with late minute goals, hence, the tag "Fergie Time". On several occasion during the days of the legendary Scott have United wrap games up in the closing stages: sometimes coming from losing positions to win the game.
But since Ferguson retired in 2013, the story hasn't remained the same until this season. As United lacked that cutting edge in those dying stages to win or get results from matches. This campaign has seen United score nine out of their sixteen goals so far in the final ten minutes of games. With United scoring three in that same duration against Everton at Old Trafford. The swagger is now back, and Manchester United are playing the way Manchester United should. Happy old days reincarnated.
United have scored 9 of the 24 PL goals scored in the final 10 minutes of games this season - that's 38%. Classic Fergie days returning.— Odiko Godwin🌀 🇳🇬 (@OdikoGodwin) September 17, 2017
Against all odds Matic and Fellaini excelled together
One would think having those two together in midfield(in the absence of Paul Pogba)will result to United's midfield lacking mobility, flexibility and creativity, but, it was not so - as those two were solid defensively and, with Matic doing more of the creativity - connecting the midfield with attack with his long passes infield, United didn't miss the Frenchman that much, at least, for the game against Everton.
I think Fellaini & Matic have been superb in midfield today - especially in their defending. Been let down by the wastefulness of the FWs.
— Odiko Godwin🌀 🇳🇬 (@OdikoGodwin) September 17, 2017
Everton should be doing better after spending £140m in the window
Having spent that sum in the market, much will definitely be required of the team, and they have so far failed to show anything "differential" from the Everton of last season; save for their draw at the Ethihads.
Everton's summer splash already looking like a waste, and they aren't the first to spend heavily in PL without any improvement to show. QPR.
— Odiko Godwin🌀 🇳🇬 (@OdikoGodwin) September 17, 2017
Though, it's obvious Lukaku was very much pivotal to their achievements last season, and his absence is still duly felt, questions will be asked of Ronald Koeman - after spending such colossal amount in the window, and his side continue in this form, having lost four matches on the trot without scoring.
José Mourinho still haven't lost any league home match as a manager played on a Sunday and he finally gets one over Koeman
The Portuguese is known for having zero tolerance to losing at home as a manager - as he has shown in every club he has managed. And on Sunday against Everton, the former Chelsea and Real Madrid manager extended his run of staying unbeaten in all league home matches as a manager played across Portugal, England, Italy and Spain on a Sunday. 105 matches in all.
In addition, Mourinho finally beat Ronald Koeman at the sixth time of asking. He had previously drawn four and lost one of his meetings with the Dutchman.
Another tactical masterpiece from the Portuguese
José Mourinho has had an outstanding second season at every club he's managed. And if all United's impressive showings so far are anything to write about, he is set for a "stellar" season at United in his second year at the club.
He has impressed United's fans so far in this campaign with his tactical panoply, and against Everton, his decision to play Fellaini and Matic in midfield paid off and, it was his changes that brought about the late flurry of goals: which saw Lingard introduced in the second half assisting Lukaku, and Martial who came on for Mkhitaryan - doing well to create a penalty - which he also dispatched sumptuously to ensure a humiliating evening for Wayne Rooney and his Everton team.
Photo source: Twitter/@Manutd, @RonaldKoeman, and Getty Images
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