FA Cup Semi-Final
Everton 1:2 Manchester United
Wembley
- Kick-off
- Sat, 23 April 2016 @ 5:15pm BST
- Status
-
Closed
-
In the latest episode of the United Hour Podcast, Nik (@Rood) and Imran (@Annihilate Now!) look forward to a new life under Ruben Amorim. What system will we be playing? What players will impress? and how will it all go? We also say goodbye to Ruud Van Nistelrooy and review United's 3-0 win at home against Leicester City.
Discussion Your Lineup Prediction
-
- Status
VS
Date - Saturday, April 23, 2016.
Kickoff Time - 1715 Hrs BST.
Venue - Wembley Stadium, London.
Referee
Anthony Taylor.
United have suffered a lot in the FA Cup since we last won it. The defeats to Arsenal and Chelsea in the finals in 2005 and 2007 in particular stand out, but I think we won’t have a better chance than this season to end our 12 year drought. The winners of our game against Everton will go and play either Watford or Crystal Palace, you would happily take that if you were offered it at the start of the season. I personally would rather win the FA Cup than finish in the top four if I had to choose. As far as I am concerned our season is probably over if we lose on Saturday, the same applies for Everton. It is a season defining game for both teams. Van Gaal’s claims that United are better this year because they have got further in the FA Cup are well wide of the mark, the league is the ultimate yardstick, United have not progressed and may even have regressed from last season which of course is a huge disappointment. The FA Cup is a knock-out competition and in knock-out competition every dog can have its day, but I would be pleased for Van Gaal but more importantly the fans if we went on won the cup. United are clearly in a better place than Everton at the moment. Everton's midweek performance at Anfield was so horrendous that the 4-0 defeat actually flattered them - it could have been so much worse. The Toffees desperately need a victory at Wembley here to save their season - and perhaps to save Roberto Martinez's job. I would expect a response from them and would be surprised if United brushed them aside in the manner that Liverpool did the other night.
Tactically Van Gaal has decisions to make. Not only about the personnel who play but also the format of the side. He has generally played 4-2-3-1 this season, but has altered the midfield triangle recently. In midweek he used an attacking-minded 4-1-4-1 system that had Rooney and Mata ahead of Schneiderlin. He also used a 4-1-4-1 in the win over West Ham in the last round. Against Everton I think a ‘double pivot’ would work better. In the recent meeting with Everton, Martinez deployed his usual system but with his regular attacking midfielder, Ross Barkley, fielded in a much deeper role, with Tom Cleverley starting from the left and regular winger Aaron Lennon playing just behind Romelu Lukaku. Barkley, Cleverley and Lennon were effectively fielded in each others’ positions. The problem for Everton was they weren’t able to build passing moves. Lennon lacks the positional intelligence of Barkley, who always finds space between the lines from that attacking midfield role. Barkley struggled to influence the game from deep, often wanting too long in possession. I would expect Martinez to return to the norm in this game which means United need to be wary of Barkly between the lines. Having a two deep midfielders in front of the defence would make it easier to control Ross Barkley. Barkley might relish playing against a sole defensive midfielder as he'll find space in the channels. He varies his position well, moving laterally to receive the ball into feet. Having two players in this zone gives him less space to operate in.
A key individual battle will be Lukaku vs Blind. In the recent match at Old Trafford Lukaku positioned himself against Blind to try and use his extra physical qualities against him, but Blind more than matched that challenge, not only physically but also by reading the game really well. He often pinched the ball when it was played into Lukaku and wasn’t really exposed against a faster, stronger man. I expect Lukaku to do same again here so Blind again will have to perform well. Out wide, Martinez prefers a system featuring the left wide-man drifting inside from the left to help in midfield, usually former United man Tom Cleverley. He should be up against Antonio Valencia who will probably push him back from his left-sided position by Valencia’s overlapping runs. The right-sided player is handed more of an attacking brief on the right. Gerard Delefou caused Marcus Rojo problems in the recent league match, Rojo has had a poor season and I would prefer to see the impressive Fosu-Mensah play ahead of him at left-back. Aaron Lennon will probably be his opponent in a direct wing-battle. Lennon has looked lively in recent weeks, and could cause Timothy Fosu-Mensah problems. The young Dutch defender has performed impressively since coming into the side, and is an old-school defender who loves making tackles. It will be interesting to see where Lennon positions himself - he's become a more intelligent player since moving to Goodison Park.
Overall Everton’s most impressive performances this season have come when they've used the ball quickly. It feels like Martinez's side are better when the opposition come onto them and there is space for them to break into, this is perhaps why they have performed better away from home. The key for Martinez's side is about getting Ross Barkley on the ball, and combining with in-form centre-forward Romelu Lukaku. If United can stop this combination from being effective they should have a good chance of getting a win because at the other end Everton have been to frustrating with their lack of defensive organisation all season, and throughout Martinez's reign. Injuries have not helped them, Seamus Coleman and Phil Jagielka will be injured for this game and to make matters worse, Ramiro Fuenes Mori will be suspended after he was dismissed for a terrible tackle on Divock Origi in the game against Liverpool. John Stones also departed through injury, but will probably be fit to start tomorrow. Fuenes Mori's suspension gives Martinez a serious headache. Using Gareth Barry in his old position as a left-sided centre-back seems the most obvious solution, with Besic another option. Either way, Martinez will surely ask his central midfielders, probably Besic and McCarthy, to remain extremely deep and protect the new centre-back combination. United will need to pass the ball quickly and show good movement off the ball to penetrate through the middle. For me Rashford has to start because he offers excellent work-rate, speed, movement, link-play and of course goal scoring. He will give Everton’s defence a stern test running the channels and in-behind. On the left another key battle will be Martial vs. Oviedo. Martial will fancy his chances of causing Bryan Oviedo problems. The Costa Rican is yet another playing in an unfamiliar role because of Coleman's injury, and he made a poor mistake for Liverpool's opener on Wednesday. Accustomed to playing on the left flank, Oviedo looks uncomfortable on the right. Martial loves collecting the ball in left positions before trying to beat his opponent. On the right flank the choice is between Mata and Lingard. Lingard might be used to track Leighton Baines back, but Baines hasn't been at his best since his long injury lay-off, and is no longer a major attacking weapon from full-back. I think we could get away with having Mata on that flank he'll look to dart inside into space between the lines with Valencia overlapping to give United width. Having both Rooney and Mata in the team ahead of Lingard gives United more goal threat because both are capable of popping up in the opposition box to provide goals and assists.
Subs – Romero, Darmian, Rojo, Herrera, Fellani, Memphis, Lingard.I am very confident with this game and looking forward to it as well.
I will go with:
DDG
Valencia Smalling Blind Rojo
Carrick
Mensah Rooney
Lingard Rashford Martial
Subs: Romero, Darmian, Schneiderlin, Herrera, Fellaini, Memphis, MataBBC said:
Good grief. Hope it's Giggsy.Basically the first game I'll Have to miss in the past 3 years (since RvP hat trick vs Villa I think)... of all the tumescent games, it has to be the semi final at wembley
Ah well, will probably watch a full replay it if it goes well. Hope we get the win. Dont think fa cup win has any bearing on LvG staying or not
Where is Phil Jones, is he fit or made the bench in recent weeks ?Will be utterly amazed if we win this
I have a feeling that, if Rooney starts and throws in his usual performance against Everton, there is no going back from it
I'm sorry but, this is bollix...We're Manchester United and we are "buzzing" over a cup semi final at Wembley
Never thought I'd see the day
He has played 2 U21 matches within the last month though he didn't feature in the most recent U21 game. To say he was off the pace in the first match would be putting it mildly. Think his performance level was ok in the 2nd match.
Not in friday's 1st team training pics. Last first team action was in early Jan. Not even made the bench since Swansea home game.Everton mostly up their game against us. I don't know, United are so unpredictable these days I can never be that confident. It's good that several of their main players are missing, but sometimes that works in the opposite way.
One thing is for sure, if we lose, this place is going to crash......
Maybe it's good to be brought down to earth every now and then. Cherish every bit of success and all that.It's going to be a tough game. Everton have been largely rubbish this season but their entire season is on the line here so I wouldn't expect them to put in the same performances they did vs us, Liverpool and Arsenal. We have to be ready for a much better Everton.
very good postUnited have suffered a lot in the FA Cup since we last won it. The defeats to Arsenal and Chelsea in the finals in 2005 and 2007 in particular stand out, but I think we won’t have a better chance than this season to end our 12 year drought. The winners of our game against Everton will go and play either Watford or Crystal Palace, you would happily take that if you were offered it at the start of the season. I personally would rather win the FA Cup than finish in the top four if I had to choose. As far as I am concerned our season is probably over if we lose on Saturday, the same applies for Everton. It is a season defining game for both teams. Van Gaal’s claims that United are better this year because they have got further in the FA Cup are well wide of the mark, the league is the ultimate yardstick, United have not progressed and may even have regressed from last season which of course is a huge disappointment. The FA Cup is a knock-out competition and in knock-out competition every dog can have its day, but I would be pleased for Van Gaal but more importantly the fans if we went on won the cup. United are clearly in a better place than Everton at the moment. Everton's midweek performance at Anfield was so horrendous that the 4-0 defeat actually flattered them - it could have been so much worse. The Toffees desperately need a victory at Wembley here to save their season - and perhaps to save Roberto Martinez's job. I would expect a response from them and would be surprised if United brushed them aside in the manner that Liverpool did the other night.
Tactically Van Gaal has decisions to make. Not only about the personnel who play but also the format of the side. He has generally played 4-2-3-1 this season, but has altered the midfield triangle recently. In midweek he used an attacking-minded 4-1-4-1 system that had Rooney and Mata ahead of Schneiderlin. He also used a 4-1-4-1 in the win over West Ham in the last round. Against Everton I think a ‘double pivot’ would work better. In the recent meeting with Everton, Martinez deployed his usual system but with his regular attacking midfielder, Ross Barkley, fielded in a much deeper role, with Tom Cleverley starting from the left and regular winger Aaron Lennon playing just behind Romelu Lukaku. Barkley, Cleverley and Lennon were effectively fielded in each others’ positions. The problem for Everton was they weren’t able to build passing moves. Lennon lacks the positional intelligence of Barkley, who always finds space between the lines from that attacking midfield role. Barkley struggled to influence the game from deep, often wanting too long in possession. I would expect Martinez to return to the norm in this game which means United need to be wary of Barkly between the lines. Having a two deep midfielders in front of the defence would make it easier to control Ross Barkley. Barkley might relish playing against a sole defensive midfielder as he'll find space in the channels. He varies his position well, moving laterally to receive the ball into feet. Having two players in this zone gives him less space to operate in.
A key individual battle will be Lukaku vs Blind. In the recent match at Old Trafford Lukaku positioned himself against Blind to try and use his extra physical qualities against him, but Blind more than matched that challenge, not only physically but also by reading the game really well. He often pinched the ball when it was played into Lukaku and wasn’t really exposed against a faster, stronger man. I expect Lukaku to do same again here so Blind again will have to perform well. Out wide, Martinez prefers a system featuring the left wide-man drifting inside from the left to help in midfield, usually former United man Tom Cleverley. He should be up against Antonio Valencia who will probably push him back from his left-sided position by Valencia’s overlapping runs. The right-sided player is handed more of an attacking brief on the right. Gerard Delefou caused Marcus Rojo problems in the recent league match, Rojo has had a poor season and I would prefer to see the impressive Fosu-Mensah play ahead of him at left-back. Aaron Lennon will probably be his opponent in a direct wing-battle. Lennon has looked lively in recent weeks, and could cause Timothy Fosu-Mensah problems. The young Dutch defender has performed impressively since coming into the side, and is an old-school defender who loves making tackles. It will be interesting to see where Lennon positions himself - he's become a more intelligent player since moving to Goodison Park.
Overall Everton’s most impressive performances this season have come when they've used the ball quickly. It feels like Martinez's side are better when the opposition come onto them and there is space for them to break into, this is perhaps why they have performed better away from home. The key for Martinez's side is about getting Ross Barkley on the ball, and combining with in-form centre-forward Romelu Lukaku. If United can stop this combination from being effective they should have a good chance of getting a win because at the other end Everton have been to frustrating with their lack of defensive organisation all season, and throughout Martinez's reign. Injuries have not helped them, Seamus Coleman and Phil Jagielka will be injured for this game and to make matters worse, Ramiro Fuenes Mori will be suspended after he was dismissed for a terrible tackle on Divock Origi in the game against Liverpool. John Stones also departed through injury, but will probably be fit to start tomorrow. Fuenes Mori's suspension gives Martinez a serious headache. Using Gareth Barry in his old position as a left-sided centre-back seems the most obvious solution, with Besic another option. Either way, Martinez will surely ask his central midfielders, probably Besic and McCarthy, to remain extremely deep and protect the new centre-back combination. United will need to pass the ball quickly and show good movement off the ball to penetrate through the middle. For me Rashford has to start because he offers excellent work-rate, speed, movement, link-play and of course goal scoring. He will give Everton’s defence a stern test running the channels and in-behind. On the left another key battle will be Martial vs. Oviedo. Martial will fancy his chances of causing Bryan Oviedo problems. The Costa Rican is yet another playing in an unfamiliar role because of Coleman's injury, and he made a poor mistake for Liverpool's opener on Wednesday. Accustomed to playing on the left flank, Oviedo looks uncomfortable on the right. Martial loves collecting the ball in left positions before trying to beat his opponent. On the right flank the choice is between Mata and Lingard. Lingard might be used to track Leighton Baines back, but Baines hasn't been at his best since his long injury lay-off, and is no longer a major attacking weapon from full-back. I think we could get away with having Mata on that flank he'll look to dart inside into space between the lines with Valencia overlapping to give United width. Having both Rooney and Mata in the team ahead of Lingard gives United more goal threat because both are capable of popping up in the opposition box to provide goals and assists.
Subs – Romero, Darmian, Rojo, Herrera, Fellani, Memphis, Lingard.
I'm sure the older fans would tell you the success is all the more sweet when we have to fight for it.
It's a question of accepting where we are now and trying to enjoy it, I'm looking forward to this game and would love to win a trophy this year.
Key battles.We'll just bore them to death again like we did at OT.
So good
Key battles.
Could go either way really, Everton could up it and spawn us. They could just not even turn up and let us destroy them 1-0.We'll win this one. Their defence is in a shambles, and there is no way they can contain Martial, Rashford and Rooney from getting shots on target.
An early goal from us could seal the game.I'm going to miss the game, the MHR is also playing a semi final.Will be a good game i think. Everton are shit defensively, but can play well going forward, and they have to. Both teams will be up for it, hope we can somehow win it2 years ago yesterday Moyes's successor got Moyes the sack by beating him 2-0 at Goodison now Moyes's successor at United could get Moyes's successor at Everton the sack by beating him at Wembley.Does this game go to extra time if it's a draw?Everton's defensive injuries will be a key in this game. Coleman and Funes Mori will not play - Jagielka is a major doubt (the way Martinez described it - it was basically anyone else it would have been a no - but maybe, since it's Jagielka) and Stones probably would play. In addition, their best defensive midfielder Barry is also a major doubt.
If Jagielka and Barry can't play - in addition to Coleman and Mori, we will be major favourites. Baines simply isn't the same player he was a couple of years ago and Oviedo hasn't really been back to his best following his bad injuries a couple of years ago.
John Stones is wanted by several clubs - but let's be honest, he has been poor this season and has always looked second best by a distance when partnered with Jagielka. If both Mori and Jagielka are out - Everton could play with 3 defenders who are out of form - and they also need to conjure up Another central defender. Maybe go with a youngster, or move someone like McCarthy down in defense.
Regardless - I can see Martial having a fun afternoon.
Yes, semis don't go into replays if it's a draw, just to extra time.Just realized I can now post in the matchday thread
I think we will win 2-1, their defensive woes are just a bit to massive atm. Hopefully he doesnt start Rooney (but he will), since he often is woeful against Everton. Hoping for a 4-3-3 with the following setup:
Valenica - smalling - blind - Darmian
- Herrera - Schneider - Fellaini
- Lingard - Rashford - MartialCome on!.It's been to long , going for a 2-1 .
Key battles.
Come on we have to win this cup, Leicester win the league and then we can win the Community Shield again.Valencia - Smalling - Blind - Darmian
Schneiderlin
Rooney - Mata
Lingard - Rashford - Martial
Wouldn't be surprised to see Fellaini in for Mata thoughThe way Everton have been stripped of nearly all their regular defenders for this game, I just think, surely United can't lose this, but then I think, it's a Cup Semi so who knows. I do wonder if some or all of their walking wounded will be patched up/filled with painkillers and asked to just go out and give it a go - someone like Jagielka for instance would probably play if at all possible. i am optimistic about this game though, but recent history tells me also to just wait and see what happens.
Really not sure if LvG will pick an attacking line up knowing that either Everton's back 4 is going to full of square pegs in round holes and/or half-fit players.We really should beat this lot. They're shambles right now although we're not much better.
But then again it's football, aynthing can happen, especially since we're so much up and down and more down than up.
If it were at OT I would be 90 percent certain we'll beat them but playing at Wembley is like playing away altough it's not Goodison.
I wouldn't be suprised if it would finish 0:0 and it would go to ET. I've put Ander in the starting lineup although I doubt he'll begin. I'd go with the same team as vs Palace but with Ander instead of Lingard.We're winning this game. A cup final in May would really give me something to look forward to! 3-1 (to us obviously!)Just want to say...
ITS FA CUP SEMI FINAL DAY! AAAAHHHHHHHHH!
So excited! Come on reds! Lets get to a final for the first time since.... 2011 CL?I have the worst feeling that Everton will pull out a game raising performance today and blow us off the park.
I had forgetten that it would give us a chance at the Community Shield, we have to win this!!M.E.N. reporting that there has been fighting at a service station on the way down to Wembley between United and Everton fans.Statistics say that, bad as we can be on occasions and good as they can be on occasions, as they've beaten us 3 of the last 4 semi finals, this one's our turn....Always nervous playing Everton, definitely not taking this one for granted- Status
Player Ratings
Total Average Rating
Highest Rated Player
Lowest Rated Player
Compiled from 606 ratings.
Score Predictions
375,48,44
- Man Utd win
- Everton win
- Draw
Detailed Results
- 23% Everton 1:2 Man Utd
- 23% Everton 0:2 Man Utd
- 17% Everton 0:1 Man Utd
- 7% Everton 1:3 Man Utd
- 5% Everton 1:1 Man Utd
- 5% Everton 0:3 Man Utd
- 3% Everton 2:1 Man Utd
- 3% Everton 0:0 Man Utd
- 2% Everton 1:0 Man Utd
- 2% Everton 2:0 Man Utd
- 2% Everton 5:0 Man Utd
- 1% Everton 2:3 Man Utd
- 1% Everton 2:2 Man Utd
- 1% Everton 0:5 Man Utd
- 1% Everton 0:4 Man Utd
- 0% Everton 2:4 Man Utd
- 0% Everton 1:4 Man Utd
- 0% Everton 4:0 Man Utd
- 0% Everton 4:5 Man Utd
- 0% Everton 5:5 Man Utd
- 0% Everton 2:5 Man Utd
- 0% Everton 3:0 Man Utd
- 0% Everton 3:1 Man Utd
Match Stats
- Everton
- Man Utd
- Possession
- 46% 54%
- Shots
- 16 22
- Shots on Target
- 8 7
- Corners
- 2 7
- Fouls
- 9 17
Referee
Anthony Taylor
Man Utd Lineup
-
-
-
-
-
replaced by Antonio Valencia
-
-
-
replaced by Ander Herrera
-
-
-
