Everton 2-2 Man Utd (George 83′, Maitland-Niles 90+6′ | Mbeumo 46′, Sesko 88′)
HILL DICKINSON STADIUM — Never has a team been more there for the taking. Goodison Park, at various junctures in its history, was a mutinous place. Rarely, however, have we seen Everton fan groups withdraw their support entirely, after being “disgusted” by the summer transfer window.
Having emerged with a squad weaker than when they started, David Moyes’ side put in a first-half showing against Manchester United that typified their weak and vulnerable state.
They offered nothing in attack, failing to provide their only senior striker with any service at all, and looked susceptible to any attack of any pace or vigour down the other end, knowing angry supporters were waiting with bated breath to get on their backs with every missed tackle, every limp pass.
The hosts represented the perfect opponent, in the perfect week. United may have scored five against Ipswich Town, but the rout masked plenty of frailties. A trip to the Hill Dickinson Stadium was just the panacea Michael Carrick needed: not just a win, but a convincing one was surely in the offing.
