FOR the second game in a row, Manchester United came from behind to claim a narrow victory.
Erik ten Hag‘s side went a goal down against Cypriot minnows Omonia Nicosia but rallied to win 3-2, before the Toffees were beaten today 2-1 on their own patch.
Erik ten Hag saw his side come from behind to win for the second game in a row
Cristiano Ronaldo netted the winner at Goodison Park
Antony scored for a third Premier League game on the spin, while Cristiano Ronaldo netted the 700th club goal of an incredible career.
The relief all round at full-time was evident as United clung on desperately in the closing stages to deny Everton a dramatic equaliser.
And while the never-say-die mentality is a desirable one, and one that will please Ten Hag, their slow starts could come back to bite them.
The Dutchman said during the week that a winning mentality is something that will “take months” to instil.
That mindset has been on display in the last two games, but if Ten Hag has admitted it will take time to bed in permanently, more slow starts this month could cost them.
The win over Frank Lampard’s Toffees puts the Red Devils up to fifth in the table.
But this is the start of what could be a make or break few weeks for Ten Hag and Co.
There are tough Premier League clashes against Newcastle, Tottenham, Chelsea and West Ham to negotiate before October rolls into November.
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There are also two Europa League ties against Omonia Nicosia and Sheriff.
While Lampard has improved Everton this campaign, the likes of Newcastle, Spurs and Chelsea are more likely to punish the Red Devils if they are not on the boil right from the off.
Both Spurs and Chelsea are narrowly ahead of United in the league, and coming away from those games pointless would mean work to do for Ten Hag’s side to bridge the gap to the top four.
Manchester City have already shown what can happen to United if Ten Hag’s side concede first against real high-quality opposition.
So while there is cause for cautious optimism, there is also the sense that something has to be done about these slow starts before the month is out.
Or similar 6-3 pastings to the one at the Etihad last week could be on the cards.
United players thank the travelling fans at full-time
