In a match that unfolded amid the backdrop of Everton’s financial turmoil, Manchester United exacerbated the Toffees’ woes with a resounding 3-0 victory. The atmosphere at Goodison Park was charged as home supporters expressed their frustration with the Premier League’s 10-point deduction for financial breaches.
Within just three minutes, Alejandro Garnacho etched his name in Premier League history with a spectacular overhead kick, connecting flawlessly with Diogo Dalot’s cross and sending the ball into Jordan Pickford’s top left-hand corner. Despite a somewhat uneven performance from United, Marcus Rashford’s penalty and Anthony Martial’s composed finish secured the win, marking their fifth victory in the last six league games.
The febrile atmosphere at Goodison Park reflected Everton’s discontent, exacerbated by missed opportunities on the field. Dominic Calvert-Lewin squandered two excellent headed chances, and a goalline clearance from United’s teenager Kobbie Mainoo denied Dwight McNeil an equalizer. Abdoulaye Doucoure’s wayward shot added to Everton’s frustrations.
VAR controversy ensued in the second half when a contentious penalty was awarded to United. Initially booked for diving, Martial saw the decision overturned after VAR intervention.
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Bruno Fernandes ceded the penalty duties to Rashford, who capitalized on the opportunity, smashing home his first club goal since September 3. Martial, starting in place of the injured Rasmus Hojlund, sealed United’s most significant league win of the season with a composed finish from Fernandes’ through ball, leaving Everton rooted in the Premier League relegation zone. United climbed to sixth in the table, defying the challenges of a troubled season.