DAVID DE GEA has Marcus Rashford to thank after he inspired Manchester United past Everton in the FA Cup.
The Spaniard produced a massive error in the first half which allowed a low-on confidence Everton side to net an equaliser and cause United a big FA Cup headache.
Man Utd progressed past Everton in the FA Cup
Marcus Rashford inspired the team into the next round
David De Gea has Rashford to thank after his huge blunder
However, two dangerous Rashford runs from the left flank which saw low crosses zipped across the area resulted in two goals which gave the Red Devils enough to go progress.
The first saw Rashford skip past Ben Godfrey to fire a ball to the far post for Antony to poke in the opener after four minutes.
The second saw Christian Eriksen ping the ball cross field before Rashford take on and beat Seamus Coleman before whipping a cross into the six-yard area where Conor Coady turned the ball into his own net.
Regardless, Erik ten Hag’s side are through, and in the cup that is all that matters.
Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Red Devils.
David De Gea – 4
Just what was he doing? A grievous error in the first half gave United all sorts of problems against a previously low-on confidence Everton side.
He will have done himself no favours on his side in terms of sealing a new contract at Old Trafford, on the day Jack Butland has just arrived too.
Diogo Dalot – 6
Returned to the team for the first time since the International break and looked like he lacked some match sharpness.
Not his usual best but gave United security on the ball down the right flank.
Raphael Varane – 7
Did all he could in intercepting a pass right before De Gea’s gaffe made all his work mean nought.
Good on the ball and assured in possession throughout.
Luke Shaw – 6
Returned to left centre back and while he once again proved solid there, a game on the knife edge needs Shaw’s ability on at left wing-back.
Too slow to get back in and mark Dominic Calvert-Lewin when he netted a second Toffee’s equaliser – though it was ruled offside.
Tyrell Malacia – 6
Clear to see why he is such a reliable star for Ten Hag, but also why when is whole team is fit he is second choice to Luke Shaw at left-back.
Produced a crunching tackle on Alex Iwobi on the second half, and flew into a number of other challenges throughout, which saw the Everton man to be forced off through injury.
Tyrell Malacia flew into tackles throughout the clash
Casemiro – 6
A below par game for the Brazilian, particularly poor on the ball a number of times but still broke up attacks generally well.
Too easily shoved aside by Amadou Onana prior to Conor Coady’s equaliser in the first half.
Christian Eriksen – 7
Another quiet game for the Dane but distributed the ball well from his deeper playmaking role throughout.
Pinged a beautiful pass to Rashford before he zipped in a low cross which caused Coady’s own goal.
Bruno Fernandes – 6
A similarly quiet game from him but in this new system he is no longer the only player relied upon to spark a United goal.
Harried and harassed the Everton backline and midfield well.
Antony – 5
Poked home the opener inside four minutes but his game quickly unravelled with the exception of a few bright spots.
His seeming complete unwillingness to use his right foot greatly hinders what he can offer this United side and often makes him more of a liability than a threat.
Marcus Rashford – 9
The best player on the pitch by far. Excellent burst of pace to set up to set up Antony’s opener.
Remained bright throughout the first half and created United’s second goal with a dangerous run and zipped ball into the danger area to be turned into his own net by Coady.
Well-deserved goal from the penalty spot at the end.
Marcus Rashford created two goals and added one himself
Anthony Martial – 6
Linked play with team-mates well and showed why he is a good fit for the United system with some decent hold up play.
However, squandered a one-on-one he should have scored vs Jordan Pickford which proves why Ten Hag is desperate for another striker.
Subs
Fred (on for Casemiro, 71 mins) 6
Broke up play and launched counter-attacks much like his compatriot Casemiro, but added energy came at cost of midfield control.
Alejandro Garnacho (on for Martial, 71 mins) 6
Another bright cameo off the bench for him. Lacked real impetus but did won a penalty at the end.
Must be wondering what more he can do to earn a start over Antony.
Lisandro Martinez (on for Shaw, 77 mins) 6
Dealt with the physical battle from Everton’s forward’s well. Welcome minutes in the tank while getting clattered by Onana late on.
Harry Maguire (on for Eriksen, 83 mins) 6
Came on to help United deal with an aerial bombardment led by Calvert-Lewin.
Scott McTominay (on for Antony, 83 mins) 6
Like Maguire came on to help steady the ship in the latter stages.
