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Erik ten Hag warned Manchester United must be more clinical after they moved a step closer to qualifying for the Champions League by beating Everton 2-0.
United leapfrogged Newcastle United into third place in the Premier League table ahead of the Magpies’ trip to Brentford with a comfortable victory at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Scott McTominay scored his first goal of the season nine minutes before half-time and Anthony Martial came off the bench to seal all three points in the second half.
United’s 21 shots in the first half were more than any other side have registered in the opening 45 minutes of a Premier League match this season, but Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was outstanding as they had only a single goal to show for it.
Over the 90 minutes, United missed seven big chances, a joint-high in a single game across the league this season.
Marcus Rashford was denied by England team-mate Pickford time and again before the Red Devils’ leading goalscorer limped off late on with a groin injury.
United manager Ten Hag wants to see better finishing from his side as they strive to secure a top-four finish, while also going for Europa League and FA Cup glory.
He told BBC’s Match of the Day: “We have to be more clinical and more ruthless and this game has to be finished by half-time, and we didn’t.
“But it is still a very good performance, and it is still a big compliment to the team.”
Ten Hag praised midfielder Bruno Fernandes, who was so influential in the middle of the park, creating six chances.
He said of the Portugal international: “I think he was brilliant. He has played brilliant in a deeper role, and even last week against Newcastle he played very well, and today he was brilliant.
“He was definitely the best player on the pitch.”
