Manchester United welcomed Everton to Old Trafford on Tuesday night knowing that a win would move them to within two points of fourth-place Manchester City.
Everton led 1-0 at the interval of the Premier League fixture courtesy of a smart finish from Phil Jagielka.
The visitors kept their lead into second-half stoppage time at Old Trafford, but Zlatan Ibrahimovic levelled from the penalty spot in the 94th minute after Ashley Williams had been sent off for handling inside the box.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live Premier League coverage continues from Old Trafford and it is a big one as Manchester United welcome Everton. The Red Devils would move to within two points of fourth-place Manchester City with a victory tonight, but Everton would move above Man United on goal difference if they can collect all the points from Manchester. Stay tuned for what should be a fascinating affair!
Man United have actually won 18 of their last 23 home Premier League meetings with Everton – suffering just one defeat in the process (December 2013). Anthony Martial scored the only goal of the corresponding fixture last season, but the points were shared in a 1-1 draw when Man United travelled to Goodison Park in the league earlier this season. What will occur at Old Trafford tonight?
Right, before we go any further, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news from Old Trafford. Both sides were in action at the weekend, and both had disappointing results. Any changes from their respective matches? Let's run through the two XIs that will start here...
TEAMS!
UNITED: De Gea; Young, Bailly, Rojo, Blind; Carrick, Fellaini, Herrera; Lingard, Ibrahimovic, Rashford
EVERTON: Joel; Holgate, Jagielka, Williams, Baines; Barry, Davies, Gana; Barkley, Mirallas; Lukaku
The big team news for Man United is that Zlatan Ibrahimovic returns from a four-game suspension to lead the line for the Red Devils. Ander Herrera is also back from his domestic ban, while Daley Blind comes into the team as Antonio Valencia is rested. Paul Pogba is back in the squad, but the Frenchman is only deemed fit enough for a bench which also includes Anthony Martial and Henrikh Mkhitaryan. As expected, Luke Shaw is also in the squad after holding clear-the-air talks with Jose Mourinho.
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As for Everton, head coach Ronald Koeman has made two changes to the team that started the 3-1 defeat at Liverpool on Saturday afternoon. Gareth Barry comes into the midfield as Matthew Pennington drops out, while Kevin Mirallas replaces Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Morgan Schneiderlin is denied an Old Trafford return due to a calf problem, however, while Seamus Coleman and Ramiro Funes Mori are absent from defence. Ross Barkley keeps his spot in the XI despite a difficult game at Anfield.
So there we have it. The two teams are in and we are now just about 40 minutes from kickoff on this mild evening in Manchester. I shall speak about Everton a little bit later, but let's start with Man United, who have not found Old Trafford to be a happy home this season. Indeed, their form in this particular ground could end up costing them the chance of a Champions League finish this term.
Jose Mourinho's side have now drawn eight of their 15 league games at Old Trafford this season, and it is the first time since the 1980-81 campaign that they have shared the points in eight home matches during a single league season. Incredibly, Man United only have the 10th-best home record in the Premier League this term – winning just six of their 15 fixtures at Old Trafford.
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The Red Devils have actually only conceded twice at Old Trafford in all competitions in 2017, although they have scored just 20 home goals, which is a record bettered by 13 teams in the division. They had the chance to close on the top four at the weekend, but a stern West Bromwich Albion team held strong to secure a point in what was an uneventful and fairly drab 0-0 draw.
Man United remained in fifth position in the Premier League table after Man City drew 2-2 with Arsenal on Sunday afternoon, and the gap from fifth place to fourth is five points, although Mourinho's side have a game in hand over their city rivals. Victory against Everton tonight and the pressure would be on Man City ahead of their mouth-watering affair with Chelsea tomorrow night.
No team has lost fewer league matches than Man United this season (3), but no team has drawn more (11). Their away form has been very impressive under Mourinho, but Stoke City, Burnley, Arsenal, West Ham United, Liverpool, Hull City, Bournemouth and West Brom have all shared the points with Man United at Old Trafford, which is an indication of their problems on home soil.
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In terms of what is ahead for Man United, they face a trip to basement side Sunderland at the weekend, before travelling to Anderlecht on April 13 for the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final. Then comes the small matter of a home league game against Chelsea on April 16, before welcoming Anderlecht for the second leg of their quarter-final as they bid to reach the semi-finals.
Man United will then travel to Burnley on April 23, before visiting Man City and hosting Swansea before the end of the month. It is an incredibly busy April with a number of tough matches, but that is football at this level. You just get the feeling that tonight could be a season-defining moment either way. The home supporters are desperate for a strong home win, that is for sure.
As for Everton, the Toffees will enter this match off the back of a 3-1 defeat at Liverpool in the Merseyside derby on Saturday afternoon. Koeman's side stayed seventh in the table following the weekend's results, but their away form has been very poor this season – winning just four of their 15 matches, and suffering seven defeats in the process. They have had problems on the road.
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Everton have actually only won one of their last six away games in the Premier League, losing at Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool in their last two. As mentioned, however, the Toffees would move above Man United on goal difference if they were to win tonight, and leave Koeman eyeing a top-four finish. It would be some effort at this stage of the campaign, but there is still an outside chance.
In terms of what is ahead for Everton, they will welcome the champions Leicester to Goodison Park in their next league game at the weekend, before hosting Burnley on April 15. They will then travel to West Ham United on April 22, before the month ends with a home match against Chelsea on April 30. Like Man United, the Toffees have some very tough fixtures in the month of April.
The spotlight will also once again be on Romelu Lukaku, who has only scored three times in eight Premier League appearances against the current top six this season, compared to 18 in 21 games against the rest of the division. The former Chelsea striker has been linked with a reunion with Mourinho at Old Trafford, and the Belgian international will be keen to put on a show tonight.
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1 - Everton have only won one of their last 23 away league games at Old Trafford (D4 L18), a 1-0 win in December 2013. Challenge.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 4, 2017
Here we go then - both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period of action. There is just no downplaying the importance of tonight's match. Man United are the favourites, but a win for Everton would move them above the Red Devils into fifth. Let's hope for an entertaining game.
KICKOFF! Everton kick things off at Old Trafford...
... you just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital tonight. It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium. Let's hope the game matches it.
Herrera is pushing forward for Man United tonight, with Fellaini and Carrick sitting at the base of the home side's midfield. Mirallas, meanwhile, is quite central for the visitors alongside Lukaku. Not too much to report in terms of attacking threat from either side in the opening four minutes here.
Super pace from Rashford as he rounds Jagielka inside the Everton box, but the Everton centre-back is back to make the challenge. A brilliant header from Ibrahimovic set up that Man United move.
CHANCE! Ibrahimovic breaks through for Man United and looks to beat Joel, but Williams is back to make a brilliant last-ditch challenge. Big chance for the home side there!
Everton are yet to really settle in this match, with Man United very much the team on the front foot. Ibrahimovic has been heavily involved inside the opening seven minutes as the experienced forward continues to hold the ball for his team, with Rashford and Lingard operating in the wide positions.
Nine minutes on the clock, and the match has settled into a rhythm as both teams enjoy periods of possession. Man United are the more threatening when they break forward, but Mirallas and Barkley are right up alongside Lukaku when the visitors have the chance to counter-attack.
Ibrahimovic is coming wide for Man United at the moment, and the home side have no-one inside the Everton penalty box when the ball is in a wide area. It is a very open game at the moment as the away side threaten to counter with the pace of Mirallas and Lukaku in forward positions.
SHOT! Lingard finds space outside the Everton box before having a go, but his effort is wide of the post. Decent build-up from the 20-time English champions there.
Carrick has to fire the ball clear as Everton threaten with a high ball into the Man United box. Davies threatens to find Barkley with a cute header, but Carrick manages to clear his lines.
Lingard again bursts towards the Everton box, but Baines is on hand to make a fine challenge as the away side survive another dangerous moment. Ibrahimovic continues to come very, very deep for Man United, which is allowing Rashford to move into a central position. Interesting tactic.
Rashford has a super chance to send the ball into the bottom corner after being released by Ibrahimovic, but the England international was offside, and actually fired wide of the post.
Everton force the issue with a couple of corners in quick succession, but Man United manage to clear their lines. It is a very even game at the moment, with both teams having spells in the match.
Ibrahimovic has had a couple of chances to break clear of the Everton defence, but the Swede just does not have the pace to run away from defenders. Lingard and Rashford remain busy in wide positions for the home side, although Everton are quite comfortable in their defensive shape at the moment.
SAVE! De Gea has to turn a low Mirallas strike wide of the Man United post.
GOAL! Man United 0-1 Everton (Jagielka)
Everton make the breakthrough in the 22nd minute as Jagielka somehow turns a high ball through the legs of De Gea after wrestling Rojo. Quite a strange goal, but the away side lead at Old Trafford.
It is up to Man United to respond, and there are no signs of frustration from the home supporters as Everton threaten on the counter-attack once again. Tough times for Mourinho and his side.
CLOSE! Lukaku misses the post with a strike from just outside the box.
Plenty of possession for Man United at the moment, but not too much else. Everton are pretty comfortable as they sit deep and look to threaten when they manage to regain the ball.
Lukaku heads clear a free kick, before clearing a corner as Man United's frustrations continue.
Mirallas throws Lingard to the deck and Man United have a promising free kick here...
... SAVE AND CROSSBAR! Blind looks to pick out the top corner with a wonderful free kick, but Joel makes a stunning save! Herrera then smashes the crossbar with an effort from close range!
The game resumes after Joel received some treatment following that save, which saw him collide with the post. Another massive chance for Man United from the rebound, and they missed it again.
You just get the feeling that Man United need to level the scores before the interval. Old Trafford is not very happy at the moment as Everton continue to sit deep and absorb the pressure. A second for Everton could well end this contest. The home side are really struggling to get going here.
Bailly is across to challenge Lukaku after the Everton forward had driven to the edge of the Man United box. Mirallas was in space, and that would have been the right ball. We have not seen too much from Ibrahimovic since the Swede had a good chance in the early stages at Old Trafford.
SAVE! Joel turns a powerful Herrera strike wide of the post!
CHANCE! Young delivers a brilliant cross into the Everton box, but there are no takers. There just seems to be something wrong with this Man United attack at Old Trafford!
Good pressure from Man United in the last few moments, but Everton stand strong here.
Lukaku is causing Man United all sorts of problems with his pace and power, and Rojo has to turn clear after being given the Belgian in a one-on-one situation. Barkley then throws himself to the ground outside the home side's penalty box and the England midfielder is penalised for the fall.
Lukaku again breaks forward for Everton - he tries a shot, and Bailly is on hand to block. Man United then look for Rashford down the other end, but the England international is offside.
BOOKING! Gana (Everton) is booked for a foul on Ibrahimovic.
We are into the first of two additional minutes at the end of the first period.
Jagielka makes a brilliant challenge to stop Rashford from getting a shot away inside the Everton box after a smart flick from Ibrahimovic. Another missed chance for the home side here.
HALF-TIME: Man United 0-1 Everton
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Everton leading 1-0 at Old Trafford courtesy of a smart finish from Jagielka in the 22nd minute. Man United have had chances to make the breakthrough on home soil, but it has been another game of missed opportunities so far. As it stands, Everton are moving above Man United into fifth position in the Premier League table.
STATISTICS! Man United have shaded the possession with 59%, while they had six attempts in the first period, although just two of those were on target. Everton, meanwhile, also hit the target with two of their six first-half attempts. Just the one yellow card to report - Gueye in the 45th minute.
BENCH WATCH! Martial, Pogba and Mkhitaryan are all on a very strong Man United bench tonight, and it would not be a surprise to see at least one of those introduced at the interval. Everton, meanwhile, have options in the shape of Enner Valencia and Lookman. Mourinho has not been afraid to make early substitutions in games, and we might well see one ahead of the second period.
RESTART! Man United resume the action on home soil...
... MAN UNITED SUB! Pogba has replaced Blind at the break.
It is absolutely vital that Man United score the next goal in this match - if there indeed is one. Everton are going after the home side in the early stages of the second period though.
SAVE! De Gea has to keep out a low strike from Mirallas.
The home supporters are very much behind their team at the moment, but that might well change if the score remains 0-1 - or gets worse - in the next 15, 20 minutes. Something has to change.
Man United are forcing Everton back at the moment, but the home side just cannot seem to find that vital pass in the final third. Ibrahimovic again loses possession on the edge of the box, which brings groans from the home supporters. We are entering a vital period of the game at Old Trafford.
Young delivers a free kick straight into the arms of Joel. Extremely poor set piece.
Lingard is the latest Man United player to deliver a cross into the Everton box, and the danger is cleared once again. Some of the crossing from the home side has been very poor tonight.
BOOKING! Barry (Everton) is booked for barging Rashford to the deck.
CROSSBAR! Pogba hits the crossbar with a close-range header, which just about sums up Man United's season at home. It was a super cross from Young, and Pogba hits the woodwork from close range. The Everton woodwork has been struck for the second time tonight.
Handbags here as Mirallas and Young clash in the middle of the pitch.
BOOKING! Young (Man United) is booked for cleaning Mirallas out.
De Gea collects a header from Barry as Everton threaten from a set piece.
Little under 30 minutes of football remaining at Old Trafford, and the away side still lead 1-0 despite the best efforts of Man United, who have had more purpose in the second period. Martial has been sent to warm-up, and we could be seeing the Frenchman sooner rather than later here.
Lukaku comes close to finding Mirallas with a low cross, but Herrera makes a super tackle.
CHANCE! Fellaini spins inside the Everton box, and fires wide of the post.
All Man United at the moment as they continue to keep the ball alive inside the Everton half of the field. Fellaini turns a header towards the bottom corner, but Joel is on hand to make the save. Martial and Mkhitaryan are both preparing to enter the field for the home side here.
MAN UNITED SUB! Mkhitaryan replaces Carrick for the home side.
MAN UNITED SUB! Shaw replaces Young in Man United's final sub.
EVERTON SUB! Pennington replaces Mirallas for Everton.
Little over 20 minutes of football remaining at Old Trafford, and Everton still lead. Not sure what formation Man United are playing at the moment, but they are absolutely throwing men forward.
Everton are taking their time with everything at the moment as Joel drops to the ground after collecting a pass from Mkhitaryan, who had looked to pick out Fellaini. Shaw then has to head clear down the other end as Lukaku threatened to make contact on a deep cross from Davies.
GOAL DISALLOWED! Ibrahimovic heads a Herrera cross past Joel, but the flag is raised.
CHANCE! Fellaini turns over the crossbar after Joel had only palmed a cross into the Everton box. Yet another chance for Man United, and yet another miss. Everton still lead.
Little over 15 minutes of normal time remaining, and Everton still lead. Man United have again had so many chances, but they just cannot seem to put the ball in the net on home soil.
Barkley carries the ball clear on the counter-attack, but Rojo can slow him down.
CHANCE! Another chance for Man United, but Rojo heads Pogba's cross over!
Shaw has to clear at the far post as Everton continue to threaten on the counter-attack.
Bailly comes across to deny Lukaku with a sensational challenge after the striker had broken clear!
EVERTON SUB! Calvert-Lewin replaces Barkley for the away side.
Still time for Man United as they continue to force the issue.
Rojo flicks the ball into the arms of Joel as Everton survive once again.
Ibrahimovic meets a Shaw cross at the far post, but his header is weak and Joel can collect. Little over five minutes of normal time remaining, with Everton still leading at the home of Man United.
Lingard's strike is deflected behind as Everton survive again.
Everton have another chance to counter-attack, but Pogba is back to deny Lukaku.
BOOKING! Davies (Everton) is booked for a foul on Bailly.
CHANCE! Ibrahimovic heads a Rashford cross over once again!
We are into the first of four additional minutes at Old Trafford.
Time is running out for Man United, but they are still forcing the issue.
Gueye is fortunate to escape a yellow card for pulling Pogba to the deck.
PENALTY MAN UNITED!
RED CARD! WILLIAMS!
Williams blocks Shaw's shot with his hand, and it is a red card!
GOAL! Man United 1-1 Everton (Ibrahimovic, pen)
Ibrahimovic sends his penalty past Joel to level in incredible fashion!
FULL-TIME: Man United 1-1 Everton
Wow - what a finish! Ibrahimovic scores a penalty in the 94th minute as Man United secure a point in a 1-1 draw with Everton in the Premier League. Incredible finish to this match at Old Trafford! Thanks for joining Sports Mole for our live coverage once again. See you soon!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
