Manchester United showed all life is not out yet as they came from two goals down to draw 2-2 at a hostile Goodison Park.
Two first-half goals from Everton had Man Utd fans fearing the worst for their side, prepped for another drubbing.
However, Bruno Fernandes scoring his free-kick in the second half changed the momentum of the game and United ended the game looking the side more likely to bag the winner, outside of Ashley Young’s dive that needed VAR intervention.
The draw was a welcome result but Ruben Amorim was under no illusions as to how his Man Utd team performed with a brutal one-word verdict on the performance.
Ruben Amorim’s one-word verdict on Man Utd vs Everton
The major fear heading into this game was that Everton, buoyed by the farewell tour at Goodison Park, will outmuscle and outwork Man Utd.
That was proving to be the case in the first half as United looked all at sea in a display straight out of the worst of football basics.
The Man Utd manager laid into his team for the same, calling his team a word that is normally reserved by pundits who have no horse in the race – “Soft”.
Amorim said: “The worst part is they have a free man, we are losing balls without any pressure and not doing what we are supposed to do. Then it’s really hard. It was clear they will create chances by second balls – we were soft.”
Training no looks like the solution for Man Utd
Amorim expanded upon his assessment and said that the only way to improve is by training but he might be giving his players a little more credit than they deserve.
The fact remains that no amount of training should make a difference to an elite-level footballer being able to complete a five-yard pass or clear the ball on the fifth attempt.
Both the goals United conceded were completely avoidable if the team was switched on or, at the risk of sounding like a passion merchant, wanted it more.
Maguire was easily outjumped by Doucoure for the second goal while the ball ping-ponged around the box for the first, just waiting for someone to put it in.
United’s comeback showed that this team can dominate proceedings but the confidence is at such a low that they are not doing the basics right.
Limp through the season and start afresh next one. Europa League awaits this season.
