In the Guardian's tactical analysis, Will Unwin examines Manchester United's revamped forward line of Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Marcus Rashford, arguing they showed only glimpses of quality against Everton rather than sustained control, as head coach Michael Carrick's attacking system remains a work in progress. The piece frames this as a matter of chemistry rather than talent, noting that fluid, interchangeable forward play requires shared understanding built up over time on the pitch, which this reshuffled quartet has not yet developed following Rashford's return from a season at Barcelona.

The analysis highlights specific frictions: Cunha, deployed as a false nine, is having to vacate the deeper areas he favoured at Wolves because Fernandes now occupies them, leaving United short of a genuine spearhead in behind. Mbeumo's 47th-minute goal was described as an act of individual brilliance rather than a product of collective play, while Fernandes's passing was inconsistent, including a first-half move ending in a Rashford-to-Mbeumo-to-Fernandes chance that struck the bar. Everton's goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford, was largely untroubled until substitute Benjamin Sesko came on and scored from a well-worked Fernandes assist, offering a rare moment of the incisive teamwork Carrick is trying to cultivate.