Alright lads, buckle up. Saw that United-Everton lineup drop and knew I had to get my hands dirty. This is how it went down:
First thing, brew a proper cuppa. Can’t think straight without one. Grabbed the laptop, slammed it open right on the kitchen counter. News sites were buzzing – Ten Hag’s starting XI finally out. Hit refresh like five times in a row, honestly. Needed to see it with my own eyes.
Okay, staring at that list. What jumped out?
- First thought: Rashford benched? Bit of a shocker. Felt my eyebrows hit the ceiling. Onana in goal, obviously. But Rashy sitting? Didn’t see that coming, I tell ya.
- Looked at the midfield setup next. Casemiro anchoring, Bruno buzzing around ahead of him like usual. Seemed solid. Mainoo starting? Good call. Kid needs the minutes.
- Defense: Evans and Lindelof centre? With Varane on the bench? That made me pause. Leaned back, took a big gulp of tea. Wasn’t sure about that one.
- Everton’s sheet? All eyes on Calvert-Lewin upfront. Knew he’d be trouble. And that midfield looked… scrappy. Ready for a fight.
Right. Time to crack the gaffer’s code. How’s he trying to win this?
Putting the pieces together:
- Rashford out? Smelled control. More runners in behind with Garnacho and Antony? Maybe trying to stretch Everton, wear down those stubborn fullbacks. Less dribbling into traffic, more quick passes.
- Starting Mainoo? Clear midfield control plan. Ten Hag needed someone calm, who keeps the ball ticking beside Case. Less flash, more steadiness in the engine room. Saw that instantly.
- Defensive setup felt risky. Evans? Experience, I guess? Positional play over raw pace against Calvert-Lewin? Or maybe just managing Varane? Either way, crossed my fingers hoping it wasn’t a screw up.
Game kicks off. Watched like a hawk. Did it work?
First half felt… sticky. Everton parked the bus. Our planned control midfield? Kinda worked? Kept the ball mostly. But Garnacho and Antony? Didn’t really scare them much. Evans held up okay, Lindelof looked nervy. Swore under my breath a few times. Calvert-Lewin won every bloody header near Evans, nearly cost us.
Then bam. Second half shift. Ten Hag hooked Antony, threw Rashford on the left, Garnacho went right. Instant fire. More direct, more runs. Suddenly Everton’s fullbacks looked panicked. That Rashford sub changed everything – pure pace, stretched them thin. Bruno found gaps. Garnacho ripped them apart on the other side. Goals came. That midfield control finally paid off once the forwards started clicking.
Finished the tea gone cold. Lesson learned? Ten Hag’s plan needed time. Control the middle, be patient, stay organized. Then – unleash the speed demons when legs tire. It ain’t always pretty watching paint dry against parked buses. But chucking Rashford on fresh against tired legs? Genius move. Ended up working a treat, didn’t it?
Stuff like this? Makes you realise why you don’t just watch football, you try to see it.
