Alan Shearer expressed his frustration after viewing footage from Everton’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United at Goodison Park.
Everton secured a vital point against the Red Devils on Saturday afternoon (22 February), but it could have been even more.
After taking a 2-0 lead through Beto and Abdoulaye Doucoure, Manchester United mounted a comeback in the second half, leading to a moment of controversy.
Everton were initially awarded a penalty for what appeared to be a clear foul on Ashley Young. However, VAR advised against the decision, leaving everyone at Goodison Park stunned.
Despite this, the Toffees can take plenty of heart from their performance against United, while the same cannot be said for the visitors.
Shearer was particularly critical of Bruno Fernandes’ lack of effort during the match.
In footage aired by Match of the Day, Fernandes is seen walking around the pitch, making no efforts to press the Everton possession, which left Shearer fuming.
He said: “Watch this, and this is pathetic, it really is. You’ve got players who are walking, there’s no point in going in ones and twos, look at the space that Everton have got to play, look at [Jack] Harrison, look at [James] Garner, both wanting the ball, both wanting to receive the ball, and if they get it, Dalot is eight yards off, why aren’t you one yard off?”
This has been the tale of the season for Manchester United, who have struggled throughout the campaign, leading to increased pressure on Ruben Amorim, who may well have faced the sack had they not rescued a late, but perhaps undeserved, point.
As it stands, the Toffees remain one point above Manchester United, showcasing the difference in form since Everton appointed David Moyes.
While the entire team has been lifted by Moyes’ guidance, Beto has seemingly benefitted the most, with the striker now in the best form of his Merseyside career.
Another goalscoring performance was topped off with the issues he caused the United backline throughout the game. If he can continue to replicate that level of performance, any concerns regarding the striker department will be alleviated.
Everton just need to continue the way they are and ensure they have as strong an end to the season as possible.
Alan Shearer rages at ‘pathetic’ Bruno Fernandes footage in Everton v Man United
