Three Things We Learned From Manchester United’s Nervy Win Over Everton

David De Gea was the hero for Manchester United as the Spanish keeper ensured that the Red Devils came away with all three points by stopping the Everton onslaught in the final 15 minutes. Before that however it was Angel Di Maria who once again ran the show in midfield as the Argentine playmaker scored one and created another in what turned out to be Van Gaal’s second-straight home win in the League. Radamel Falcao’s first goal for the Red Devils turned out to be the winner as the Red Devils fended off a spirited Everton side to walk away with all three points and going into the international break in fourth place.

Here are the major talking points from the game.

Have the Red Devils finally found their formation?

Even though Manchester United were without several of their first-team stars, the game against Everton proved what many suspected, the Red Devils have finally found their style. Although their last two games finished in very different fashion, the Red Devils have played the same formation and seemed to have worked out how they want to play. In both games, Van Gaal employed a diamond formation in midfield with two up top and that was the same formation he used against Everton at Old Trafford.

At the bottom of the diamond, Daley Blind has found his feet at Old Trafford almost straight away and the Dutchman’s ability to not just break up play but also recycle the ball has made him one of the side’s key players. In front of him, Angel Di Maria and Antonio Valencia both operated centrally with Juan Mata replacing Rooney at the tip of the diamond. What this formation does is not just allow Van Gaal to effectively play three strikers, but also make the most of his attacking players, even if Mata might lose out in the long run to Rooney. The three at the back which he employed at the start seems to have been discarded and Van Gaal has finally found the way he wants his side to play and after two consecutive home wins, it certainly looks as though he is on the right track.

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What has happened to Everton?

In Roberto Martinez’s first season in charge of the Toffees, his side exceed expectations and finished fifth while qualifying for the Europa League. Much of their success last season was built on being solid at the back but maintaining enough possession to create chances and carve teams open. So far this season, the Toffees have conceded more goals than any other side in the top five European leagues, their record signing Romelu Lukaku has struggled so far and they look a pale imitation of the side that finished fifth last season. The big question is, what has happened?

First things first, the injuries the club have suffered haven’t helped, particularly to Ross Barkley. But then again, quite a few clubs have had injuries, case in point their opposition on the day. To put it all on injuries wouldn’t be fair as some of the players haven’t really stepped up to the plate so far. Tim Howard, who has been a rock at the back has suddenly started to show cracks and much of it has been down to the defence in front of him, who haven’t covered themselves in glory. But the biggest problem for Everton has been their inability to get going right from the start. For the second week running, the Toffees left it until the final 15 minutes to get going and that is a worrying sign for Martinez who will be hoping for some change in his side’s fortunes once they are back from the international break.

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Van Gaal’s youth policy paying dividends

A couple of days before the game against Everton, Louis Van Gaal revealed that 19-year-old centre back Paddy McNair will be making his second-straight start for the Red Devils. Although the Dutchman was renowned for giving youth a chance, the number of players who have made their debut for the club this season was something that nobody could have seen coming. While injuries have certainly played their part in some of them, the Dutchman’s bold decision making has certainly paid off.

Playing in only his second game, McNair was once solid in defence and repaid the faith shown in him by his manager. The Northern Irishman was the latest youngster to shine under Van Gaal. Tyler Blackett, who started the opening few games, came on in as a second half substitute following Luke Shaw’s injury. And James Wilson as well made his first appearance of the season. While the injuries have surely hindered the team’s progress, it has certainly accelerated the progress of the youngsters, especially in defence, who have played far more than they would have expected.