Manchester United held by Everton
Manchester United held by Everton

Manchester United 1-1 Everton: Townsend strikes to thwart United


Manchester United head into the international break having won just two of their last six matches in all competitions after drawing 1-1 with Everton at Old Trafford.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side took the lead through Anthony Martial in the first half, before a fast Everton break saw them level things up thanks to Andros Townsend.

The result means United have failed to win their last two home league matches, missing the opportunity to go to the top of the Premier League table.

Everton proved a tough nut to crack while posing a constant threat on the counter attack in what was a diligent performance.

Their equalising goal was extremely well taken, and to rub salt in the wounds, Townsend celebrated in Cristiano Ronaldo's fashion. After the game, the Everton winger claimed that it was out of respect and that he copied his 'idol'.

"This guy is my idol," Townsend told BT Sport. "I grew up watching him, hours on the training pitch trying to execute his techniques. Maybe need to spend longer on his celebration - it wasn't great execution! But it was respect to Ronaldo, honoured to be on the same field as him."

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According to Infogol's expected goals (xG) model, the Toffees created the better of the chances, with United finding it difficult to generate good scoring opportunities (xG: MUN 0.99 - 1.21 EVE).

The game started with shock around the stadium at the fact Ronaldo was starting on the bench for the hosts, who made several changes, and the Portuguese forward was starved of service after he came on as a substitute before storming down the tunnel at full-time.

While he was clearly unhappy with the performance, result and his playing time, Sporting Life followers were able to celebrate after Tom Carnduff's best bet landed after 16 minutes, with Michael Keane registering a shot to land a 2pt winner at 11/8.

Jake Osgathorpe also predicted the 1-1 correct score in his Premier League Score Predictor article, which highlighted Everton's solidity so far this season.


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