Helping hand from Jarrad key in Reds win

JARRAD Branthwaite did not get his move to Manchester United in the summer yet he stepped up as their 12th man against Everton.

- SAMUEL LUCKHURST

A deflection and a dozy pass from the centre back gifted United both of their firsthalf goals to turn the game on its head.

Branthwaite skulked off at half-time with his head bowed, tugging his shirt in the hope it would be big enough to conceal his embarrassed expression. There was a half left to play yet Everton were done.

United were otherwise unconvincing in a first half so troubling that Ruben Amorim was plotting a double substitution at halftime. Branthwaite's collapse caused his teammates to also fold.

United ran away with it without running much.

After two 3-0 reverses at Old Trafford, the thrashings are being meted out by the home side. There was a hearty and celebratory rendition of "Amorim's Red and White Army" from the Stretford End before the hour, with victory already assured. This was United's first four-goal victory in the Premier League since the opening day of the 2021-22 season.

United are literally on the up. The three points have elevated them to the heady heights of ninth in the table, the first time they have been in the top half since October. Their goal difference is finally a positive figure. The only anger vented by the matchgoers was over the callous ticket price hike by the Ineos cabal. Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Manchester roots have not spared him from the vitriol after spinning supporters a hollow working-class hero yarn.

On the pitch, Amorim had the luxury of introducing the returning Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw before the hour to grant Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui a breather. The festive season commenced with a cheery rendition of "Five Cantonas".