Key talking points as Man Utd brush aside Everton at Old Trafford

Manchester United showed their clinical side to beat Everton 2-0 on home soil.

Penalties from Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford were enough to earn three points for the hosts, although the Toffees had plenty of opportunities to get back into the game.

Here are all the key talking points from the match at Old Trafford.

Stuck in a rut

Scoring has been a tough ask for Everton in recent months and it was more of the same in the opening stages.

In the first 30 minutes, the Toffees were not short of opportunities, registering seven shots but only hitting the target twice.

More than once, United stopper Andre Onana was left rooted to the spot only to watch the ball fly past his post, much to the frustration of Sean Dyche on the sideline.

Small margins

For all of Everton's good work, United showed why they are significantly higher than them in the Premier League standings.

Alejandro Garnacho was full of twists and turns in the Theatre of Dreams and his lightning-quick feet baited the visitors into giving away two clumsy penalties.

These lapses in concentration could be the difference between relegation and survival for the Merseyside club and they will again feel like they have wasted an opportunity to put some important points on the board.

Confidence booster

Rashford has vowed to find his best form again after receiving criticism recently and he was able to take the first step towards redemption against the Toffees.

After captain Fernandes dispatched a routine penalty in front of the Stretford End, eyebrows were raised when he handed the ball to the England international for the second spot-kick.

But Rashford, 26, did not falter under pressure and let out a roar of relief as he recorded his seventh Premier League goal of the campaign.

Lunchtime lull

After what was a fast start, Saturday's lunchtime game fell into a lull with neither side moving out of second gear.

While Everton looked the more likely to score a third goal in the match, Onana was never overly stretched in goal and United's defence looked comfortable.

It represented a contest between two sides who have not been up to their usual standards this season and need another reset in the summer.

Champions League chase

After losing to Manchester City last week, the Red Devils needed to win to keep their hopes of playing Champions League football next season alive.

And with Aston Villa hosting Tottenham on Sunday, Erik ten Hag's side will be gaining ground on at least one of their rivals.

There is still work to be done if they are to make the top four but grinding out wins like this one is going to be key ahead of the run-in.