Reds show strength in on-song cup display

ERIK ten Hag does not do weakened teams and United's FA Cup XI was stronger than their Premier League lineup against Bournemouth in midweek.

- SAMUEL LUCKHURST

A terrific cup tie, amplified by nearly 10,000 hardcore Everton matchgoers at Old Trafford, confirmed how meaningful the competition is to United's incumbent manager and the strained Frank Lampard. It is a spectacle the sons of Wayne Rooney and Darren Fletcher, sat together in the directors' box, were engrossed by.

The jubilation in the old Scoreboard End when Dominic Calvert-Lewin appeared to equalise, and the delight Reds fans revelled in at the retrospective realisation it was offside, was a cup atmosphere from a bygone age.

United fans revelled in the schadenfreude as smoke from a blue flare drifted into the night sky.

Back in Manchester eight days on from a creditable draw at City, Everton were similarly obdurate and determined to demonstrate their 4-1 home trouncing by Brighton was an aberration. The presence of 9,000 Scousers was an additional incentive.

Conor Coady, Merseyside-born and bred at the Liverpool academy, responded to a chorus of 'you Scouse b*****d' from the Stretford End by equalising. His own goal to restore United's lead in the 52nd minute was greeted with the same chant.

"We're the famous Man United and we're going to Wemberlee," sang the United supporters. They are now "on the march with Ten Hag's army", victorious in their last seven games. The soundtrack eventually added Que Sera Sera.

"You're getting sacked in the morning" was aired more than once, although Frank Lampard can wake up with ease. United are yet to take a team to the cleaners and Everton showed more mettle than in the surrender to Brighton.