'Ronaldo hardly in the game' as Everton beat Man United to seal huge survival boost

It was a massive victory for Frank Lampard's side who bounced back from defeat to Burnley as Anthony Gordon's deflected strike was enough to claim all three points.

For the Red Devils though, it was another less than average display as their top four chances and hopes of sealing Champions League qualification took a massive dent.

It's now one win in seven games in all competitions for Ralf Rangnick's side and, based on the display today, they will find it hard to win many more games this term.

However, they did start well as Everton looked nervy in the opening exchanges.

Cristiano Ronaldo, back in the starting eleven after missing the 1-1 draw against Leicester through illness, produced a shot that went just wide of Jordan Pickford's post.

Moments later, Marcus Rashford forced a good save from his England teammate when leaping high to get on the end of a Bruno Fernandes cross.

Speaking on commentary, former Man City winger Trevor Sinclair was full of praise for the shot stopper.

"Excellent save, really good header, a lot of pace on the ball so he didn't have to do much, but great save from Pickford," he said.

But the visitors didn't make the most of the early pressure, and were made to pay midway through the first half.

Richarlison received the ball from Gordon, proceeded to cut inside from the left channel, and laid the ball back to Alex Iwobi.

He spun on the ball, and via a touch from Nemanja Matic, the ball broke to the academy star who shot, and the ball found the net with a shot that took a massive deflection from Harry Maguire.

The Toffees fans were understandably delirious and this win could be massive in their bid to secure Premier League football for another season.

For as good as Lampard's side were - the legend claiming his first league win over the Red Devils as a manager - Man United were very poor, and rarely threatened the Toffees goal.

Whilst dominating possession, 68 percent to be precise, they rarely got in behind the Everton defence.

And it was something Sinclair was very critical of.

"Manchester United look a shadow of their former selves," said the talkSPORT pundit.

"They're getting bullied by Everton, Manchester United players do not look interested in this game.

"This Manchester United team has got no discipline, they're absolutely losing the plot today."

And that woeful display was epitomised by the performance of Ronaldo who, other than a shot in the final minutes of the match which Pickford saved, did not threaten much.

Sinclair added: "Cristiano Ronaldo has hardly been in the game, he started well and had a shot but I can't remember saying his name much since".

The visitors' display showcased how much work the next manager - which is looking like Ajax boss Erik ten Hag - has to do.

On the flip side, Lampard will hope this scalp gives his team a much needed confidence boost for their remaining eight matches as they look to avoid what would be an embarrassing relegation.