Manchester United have taken a step in the right direction after their humbling defeat in the Manchester Derby.

It appears the result didn’t affect them too negatively, winning two games on the bounce, although they were made to work for it.

Their first win post-derby came against Neil Lennon’s Omonoia FC in Cyprus, picking up 3 crucial points in the Europa League. Even though it was a game that United was expected to win, by half-time they found themselves 1-0 down, with a huge shock result on the cards.

Thankfully Ten Hag’s substitutions proved to be the difference, with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial grabbing the goals as United ran out 3-2 winners. A less than convincing result, but a win, nonetheless.

You’d be forgiven for not being full of confidence going into the next game against Everton. A side that was unbeaten in 6 games in the league, having conceded the fewest number of goals. Goodison Park is never an easy ground to attend, something United found out last season when they were beaten 1-0.

After 5 minutes it looked as though history was destined to repeat itself. Amadou Onana caught out Casemiro in possession in United’s half, before Alex Iwobi produced a sublime curling effort from around 25 yards out.

Despite the setback, United and Casemiro reacted well, within 10 minutes they were back level through Antony. It’s now 3 in 3 for the Brazilian in the Premier League, a good start for the younger winger.

Anthony Martial started the game but, was brought off in the first half through injury, just after he assisted Antony for United’s first goal. The Frenchman has spent a great deal of the season sidelined through injury, which is a shame because when he has played, he’s been good. Ten Hag certainly likes Martial, however, if he can’t rely on him to stay fit United may have to delve into the transfer market come January.

In place of Martial came Cristiano Ronaldo, who struggled to find a goal on Thursday night but produced a clinical finish to get United ahead just before the break. It was a landmark goal too, as it was his 700th club career goal, a ludicrous tally for one of the greatest players to ever grace the game.

There was controversy in the second half as Rashford looked to have made it 3-1, only for VAR to rule it out for handball. However, earlier in the day Michail Antonio scored a goal with a much more blatant handball offence that was not overturned. The inconsistency is becoming a weekly occurrence and it’s no wonder why many fans are against VAR.

Everton piled on the pressure in the last couple of minutes but United was able to hold out for the win. Despite not being at their best they picked up three points, an important win ahead of some tough fixtures in October.

In their next three Premier League games, United face Newcastle, Spurs and Chelsea. All three have started the campaign in fine form and Ten Hag’s side will need to step up again to come away from this string of games with their heads held high.

Before they take on Newcastle next Sunday, United return to the Europa League action against Omonoia again. Ten Hag will most likely set a reminder to his side to not get complacent.

Hopefully, United put the game to bed early and build some more positive momentum before they welcome Newcastle for what promises to be a lively affair.

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