Everton 3-0 Manchester United: Where does this leave United?

Manchester United’s trip to Goodison Park ended in dismay as they came away humbled to a 3-0 loss to Everton. United looked off the pace as they suffered consecutive defeats in the Premier League for the first time all season.

United’s away form this season hasn’t been to the standard they expect (W5, D7, L5) and it’s something which must change if United are to mount a serious title race next season. This defeat also changes United’s league position and their possible finishing position in the top four.

In terms of the table, United now sit in fourth, four points ahead of Liverpool who have a game in hand. By the time United play West Bromwich Albion next Saturday at home, Liverpool could be one point behind, putting United under more intense pressure from their rivals. Louis van Gaal said after the game that Everton looked more motivated and determined to win and the biggest surprise came when he claimed that he felt this before the game had even started: “I had the feeling and my colleagues, Ryan Giggs, also had the feeling. Warm up was not so good as usual.” If United are to finish in the top three to avoid cutting their pre-season short, van Gaal has to have a stern word with his players that they are not at the finish line just yet.

On the topic of finishing in the top three. United now sit a point behind Arsenal who also have a game in hand and two behind their local rivals Manchester City. Van Gaal will want to avoid the Champions League qualification stage and United must win at least three of their remaining games if they want to have a chance of doing so, including their home tie against Arsenal. Van Gaal himself knows that the top four isn’t secured yet stating “[we] give the light to [our] opponents” and performances are going to have to improve drastically if they are to shut that light off.

Chris Smalling said after the game that this is a “massive wakeup call” for the players and that is the best way to sum up this result. United have to finish this season strongly to set themselves up in the best possible way for next season and they must pick themselves up after a disappointing second consecutive loss and come back fighting against West Brom.