FIRST HALF – 10-MAN TOFFEES CAPITALIZE
After nearly a month without a home match, Ruben Amorim made two adjustments to the squad that drew with Tottenham Hotspur prior to the international break. Leny Yoro joined the defense, while Joshua Zirkzee earned his first start of the season in attack, stepping in for the injured Matheus Cunha.
Zirkzee took up a central position in United’s front three from the start, as Bruno Fernandes won the toss and chose to have the Reds attack the Stretford End in the opening half. Everton registered the first attempt on goal during a subdued start, with Iliman Ndiaye misfiring a shot that sailed comfortably over Senne Lammens’ crossbar after he cut onto his left foot just outside the box.
Following that, United began to show some attacking intent. Bryan Mbeumo linked up well with Noussair Mazraoui down the right side, and although he couldn’t get a shot off, a poorly executed clearance from Everton fell kindly to Fernandes, whose powerful strike narrowly missed the far post.
Just ten minutes into the match, Everton was forced into an early substitution as Jake O’Brien replaced Seamus Coleman, who headed straight for the players’ tunnel after suffering an injury. Fernandes’ chance triggered a defensive disarray for the visitors, culminating in another early exit when Gueye was sent off for violent conduct after striking teammate Keane during an off-the-ball incident.
