Everton Fans Furious with Vitalii Mykolenko After Disastrous Performance Against Manchester United
Everton’s recent 4-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester United has left many of the club’s supporters seething with frustration, and at the center of the backlash is Ukrainian left-back Vitalii Mykolenko. The 24-year-old’s poor display against Erik ten Hag’s side has sparked an outpouring of anger from the Everton fanbase, with many now calling for his immediate departure from the club. Mykolenko’s performance was deemed by many to be not just subpar, but disastrous — and the mounting criticism has led to widespread demands for him to be offloaded as soon as possible.
A Performance to Forget
Everton’s trip to Old Trafford was already expected to be a tough fixture, with Manchester United looking to build on their momentum following a string of strong performances. However, few could have predicted how pivotal Mykolenko’s mistakes would prove to be in the match’s outcome.
From the opening whistle, Mykolenko’s defensive frailties were put under the microscope. He was directly involved in two of United’s three goals, with his errors proving costly. On the first goal, he failed to track the run of Bruno Fernandes, allowing the Portuguese midfielder to get in behind and deliver a dangerous cross. While Jordan Pickford could have done better with the shot, Mykolenko’s lack of defensive awareness contributed to the goal.
The second goal came as a result of Mykolenko being caught out of position. As Marcus Rashford powered forward, Mykolenko was slow to react, allowing the United forward to cut inside and unleash a shot that deflected off a defender and into the net. It was a clear example of Mykolenko’s poor positioning and lack of speed to recover. In addition to these direct errors, his passing was often erratic, frequently giving the ball away under little pressure and stifling any potential counter-attacks from Everton.
The third goal, while more a collective defensive failure, again highlighted Mykolenko’s inability to hold his position and deal with pressure. As United ramped up the intensity, the left-back appeared increasingly out of his depth, with his overall performance described by many fans as one of the worst they had seen from a player in an Everton shirt in recent memory.
Everton Fans Are Fuming
Following the loss, social media platforms exploded with calls for Mykolenko to be dropped, sold, or even sent out on loan. Some fans were quick to label him the “worst player in the whole of England,” given the manner in which he contributed to Everton’s dismal performance against Manchester United.
“How is he still on the pitch after that? Mykolenko has been absolutely terrible all season,” one frustrated supporter wrote on Twitter. “We need a left-back who can defend, not someone who gifts goals to the opposition.”
Others took to online fan forums to voice their displeasure, with one post reading, “This is embarrassing. Every time Mykolenko plays, it feels like we’re a man down. It’s time for him to go, whether on loan or permanently.”
Even before the Manchester United match, Mykolenko had been a figure of frustration for a large section of the fanbase. However, this latest display has taken the criticism to another level, with some calling for immediate action from the club’s hierarchy.
“The man doesn’t know how to defend, doesn’t know how to pass, and doesn’t know how to read the game,” said another fan. “We’ve tried to be patient, but this is just unacceptable now. We need a replacement, and we need it fast.”
Mykolenko’s Struggles at Everton
When Vitalii Mykolenko joined Everton in January 2022 from Dynamo Kyiv for £17 million, there were high hopes for him. The Ukrainian international was seen as a long-term solution at left-back, a position that had seen inconsistency and turnover since the departure of Leighton Baines. Initially, Mykolenko showed potential — solid defensive positioning, decent pace, and an ability to get forward when needed. However, over time, his weaknesses have become glaring, and his inability to cope with the demands of Premier League football has become more apparent.
Despite his clear talent, Mykolenko has struggled to adapt to the pace and physicality of the English top flight. His defensive positioning has often been questionable, and his decision-making under pressure has left much to be desired. Additionally, his passing accuracy and composure on the ball have been inconsistent, which has often led to turnovers and costly mistakes.
While other areas of the team have improved under Sean Dyche’s management, Mykolenko’s performances remain a weak link. This has led to increasing speculation that Dyche may look to replace the left-back in the upcoming transfer windows.
The Way Forward for Mykolenko and Everton
With Everton sitting in the lower half of the Premier League table and struggling to stay out of the relegation zone, the club’s focus must be on improving their defensive record. Mykolenko’s poor performances have been a significant factor in this, and with fans now demanding change, it’s clear that the player’s future at the club is uncertain.
Everton will likely explore options in the upcoming transfer windows, with many supporters hoping for the club to bring in a more experienced and reliable left-back. The January window may present the perfect opportunity for Everton to offload Mykolenko, either through a loan or permanent transfer, and bring in a player who can shore up the defense.
For Mykolenko, a fresh start elsewhere may be the best option. With his confidence at an all-time low and the pressure mounting, a move to a less high-profile league could allow him to rebuild his form and regain his confidence. Until then, however, his time at Everton is likely to remain clouded by frustration and growing discontent from the club’s supporters.
Conclusion
Vitalii Mykolenko’s performance against Manchester United has been a watershed moment in his Everton career, marking the peak of mounting frustrations from fans who have seen enough. His costly mistakes, poor decision-making, and defensive lapses have left many questioning whether he can continue to play for the club. While Everton must also take responsibility for their overall squad recruitment and defensive issues, it is clear that Mykolenko’s time at Goodison Park may be nearing its end. For now, the Toffees faithful are calling for an immediate change — and they want him gone as soon as possible.
Leave a Reply