(Football news) Manchester United came from behind to defeat Everton 2-1 at Goodison Park with substitute Cristiano Ronaldo scoring the winner and the 700th goal of his career. It was the Red Devils’ fifth win in six games, propelling them to fifth place in the Premier League table while Everton are 12th. The Toffees had the ideal start with Alex Iwobi’s curler going past David De Gea in the 5th minute, prompting celebrations from the home fans. However, the hosts were punished midway through the first half when Martial’s ball was capitalised on by Antony, who scored his third goal in three games.

Everton were given a reprieve when an unmarked Casemiro headed wide but the Brazilian made amends when he dispossessed Iwobi and threaded a ball to Ronaldo who raced past Conor Coady, his left footed shot going beyond Jordan Pickford and into the back of the net in the 44th minute. The Portuguese superstar showed glimpses of his vintage best, especially with the goal and then set up Rashford, who went past James Tarkowski before rounding Pickford and finding the back of the net, only for the goal to be disallowed. However, the slender one goal cushion was enough to secure the three points for Manchester United who should be satisfied with the result against tricky opponents.

Speaking after the match, Erik ten Hag said “Quickly 1-0 down. But the reaction of the team is good. That's one of our aims, to respond well to setbacks. First half we were pressing well. It was difficult for them to come into the game. Happy with that. We are also happy with all the subs coming on. Cristiano with the winning goal. Happy with the result of course, but for a lot of periods, also happy with the performance. It's difficult here, the crowd behind them. But also they are in a really good way. They are difficult to score against, but we scored two – maybe three." 

Everton manager Frank Lampard said “The game was lost in the first half from our point of view. It's a performance short of where we have been and against a team of quality like Manchester United if you make mistakes, turnovers that lead directly to goals, it is a big threat and always has been. It was a great start and in effect it made us a little bit passive in our game. We sat there. We had to correct that at half-time because we were late to things. I didn't like some of that stuff. It was better in the second half and we showed a lot of spirit in the end. I applaud that but it is disappointing because of where we are at. We have been moving in the right direction and we just get checked. It might not be the worst thing in the long term." 

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