The two youngsters produced the most accomplished performances but given the list of absentees the Reds were dealing with - including arguably the spine of the team in Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro and Rasmus Hojlund - Ten Hag will hope the three points is a sign of things to come.
The Reds were depleted but defiant, at times second best but first to strike. It wasn't a dominant display but it could be a defining one.
Too often under Ten Hag United have been listless on the road and failed to produce performances worthy of Premier League victories. Yet in the Goodison Park cauldron they rose to the occasion.
Their defence was resolute with the improving Andre Onana making key saves while the determination on show was highlighted by Mainoo's superb goal-line clearance. When Everton pressed, United stood firm.
This story is from the November 28, 2023 edition of Manchester Evening News.
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This story is from the November 28, 2023 edition of Manchester Evening News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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