Manchester United defeated Everton in their first game since their 10-point deduction thanks to a spectacular strike by Alejandro Garnacho.
Garnacho’s spectacular third-minute strike quiet the raucous home crowd at Goodison Park, where fans had released their rage with anti-Premier League rallies following the league’s exceptional fine.
When Diogo Dalot dinked a cross into the box, there appeared to be no danger, but Garnacho had other ideas, taking a couple of steps back before jumping into the Merseyside sky and unleashing an unstoppable bicycle kick that went over Jordan Pickford and into the net.
The goal was United’s sole chance in the first half, and Everton will be left wondering how they did not go in at least level at halftime.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin was the major culprit for the home side’s barrage of chances, prompting good saves from Andre Onana and shooting a gilt-edged chance over the bar with a free header.
United, without suspended manager Erik ten Hag on the bench, gave debut to 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo, who made a great clearance off the line to deny Dwight McNeil.
Everton were made to lament their countless missed opportunities when Ashley Young was ruled to have tripped Anthony Martial in the box, and Marcus Rashford confidently converted the penalty.
United climbed up to sixth in the Premier League when Martial finished off a great team move, while Everton are in serious trouble at the bottom, sitting in 19th place and five points from safety.