Everton vs Manchester United result: Five things we learned as visitors strike late to book semi-final spot

Cavani scored in the 88th minute to decide the Carabao Cup tie before Martial added a second

(Getty Images)

United carry confidence from Leeds thrashing

Given the inconsistency across Manchester United’s performances so far this season, and considering the strength of Everton’s starting XI, there was a feeling before kick-off that the hosts would be able to make life difficult for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s players from the off at Goodison Park.

But it was United who had the bit between their teeth from the opening whistle, earning five corners in the opening 10 minutes as they placed Everton under tremendous pressure.

Seemingly drawing on a confidence inspired by their 6-2 thrashing of Leeds last weekend, the visitors repeatedly caught out members of the Toffees’ defence as they mounted a siege on the Everton box, calling goalkeeper Robin Olsen into action on numerous occasions.

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Against a side less reckless than Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds, it was encouraging that Solskjaer’s men were still able to carve open their opponents with such ease, even if they were unable to capitalise in the first half.

Bailly remains an enigma

Every now and again Eric Bailly gets himself fit, earns a start in the Man United first team and then does one of two things. Either he’s calm, controlled and the epitome of composure at the back, or he’s casual, careless and culpable for serious errors.

From the start at Goodison he gave the impression he was in total command of his duties. A chest-down in his own box under pressure had hearts in the mouths of United fans and manager alike, but he carried it off with the smooth execution of someone playing every week, rather than a defender struggling with fitness and form. Late in normal time, he crucially fended off Dominic Calvert-Lewin in a one-on-one. 

His disasterclass against Tottenham earlier in the season, where he played a significant role in the 6-2 defeat, showcased the other side of his game, but Bailly produced a reminder here of exactly why Jose Mourinho persuaded Ed Woodward to part with £30m back in 2016. 

At 26 he has time on his side to fulfil his potential, but his days at Old Trafford could be numbered unless he produces more of these types of displays when it matters.

Cavani continues to prove his worth

Edinson Cavani was a blur on the Goodison grass from minute one, his movement and the sharpness of his striker’s intellect surely evident to most in attendance.

While the forward’s brace in United’s comeback victory over Southampton last month seemed to dispel the notion that the 33-year-old would go the same way as some of the club’s other high-profile signings in recent years, there was still merit in Cavani’s performance here as he continues to prove what a useful addition he has been to Solskjaer’s squad.

Even when he is not directly involved in goals, he tends to tax and test defenders throughout a game with his movement, application and thinking. That can have a subtle – but often significant – effect on a match.

But – while he left it late – he was directly involved in a goal on Wednesday evening, ruthlessly rifling a shot past Olsen from the edge of the box in the 88th minute to secure his side a spot in the semi-finals.

Solskjaer shows faith in Henderson

Following Dean Henderson’s shocking error against Sheffield United last week, which complicated the Red Devils’ evening more than was necessary, David de Gea returned to the starting line-up for the victory over Leeds.

But Henderson was back among the starters here, with his coach deeming the tie an opportunity for the goalkeeper to regain some confidence.

Whether or not that was a wholly successful venture is up for debate; Henderson misjudged a long ball midway through the first half – to Axel Tuanzebe’s apparent annoyance – but saved well from a Gylfi Sigurdsson free-kick not long thereafter, and ultimately a clean sheet was kept.

Henderson has not put as much pressure on De Gea this season as many thought he would, but there is still time – and perhaps his inclusion in this quarter-final was a small step back on track for the 23-year-old.

Premier League managers need this trophy

The Carabao Cup can be derided at times, but this year the three Premier League managers in the semi-finals all desperately need this trophy.

Jose Mourinho’s legacy is defined by his ability to win trophies (plural) at each club he coaches, and this season’s Carabao Cup marks his best chance at continuing that trend – no matter how poor Spurs’ recent history is when it comes to getting over the line, or even close to it. With Manchester City only just starting to pull themselves together this season after falling apart at the seams in the early months, this particular trophy would give Pep Guardiola and the club something to grasp come the end of the term.

Solskjaer, meanwhile, has never won a trophy of significance since beginning his managerial career, and he needs to make a statement that he is capable of maintaining United’s modus operandi of winning titles – of any kind. 

So, the only coach left in the competition who doesn't have any pressure on them is Thomas Frank, the Brentford manager punching above his weight in the final four... and perhaps that will ultimately play into his side’s favour.