Manchester United returned from Merseyside with a hard-earned win, but former referee Mark Clattenburg was not impressed by how Everton went about it.
Michael Carrick’s side extended their unbeaten run to six matches, but this was far from straightforward. Everton played to their strengths under David Moyes, leaning into the physical side of the game.
The Toffees relied heavily on crosses and direct play, turning set pieces into battles and pushing the limits of what is acceptable. At times, they went beyond them.
Clattenburg was notably frustrated by one particular aspect of Everton’s antics, to the extent that he demanded a “strong punishment” to halt the behaviour.
Mark Clattenburg criticises Everton’s corner tactics
Some controversial corner tactics are not a new issue this season, but Everton took it further than most during their match against United.
Moyes’ side earned 10 corners and made a clear effort to score from one. Without Senne Lammens’ strong performance, they might have managed it.
United have faced similar approaches before, including against Arsenal, which Clattenburg also criticised at the time. But Everton may have pushed things even further this time.
Lammens was blocked well behind his goal line, and Everton players frequently shoved their markers regardless of where the ball was played in.
Clattenburg believes it is up to referees to take stronger action if they want this kind of play to stop.
Speaking on the matter, he told United in Focus:“I have called many times in the past that a trend of holding and blocking at corner kicks needs to be clamped down on by referees. We recently saw in the match Everton v Manchester United, where the goalkeeper is clearly impeded, and defenders and attackers are clearly holding.
“I believe this trend has become more popular due to the influx of set-piece coaches, and we have seen even more goals from corner kicks compared to other seasons.
“Referees should understand the intentions of players and punish strongly, and this will solve the problem, and until this happens, we will continue to see goalkeepers being blocked and holding.”
Man Utd’s set-piece success built on more than just physicality
Unlike some teams, United can criticise these tactics without looking hypocritical.
They are one of the Premier League’s top sides in set-piece goals, but they have reached that mark through well-rehearsed routines, not just by crowding the goalkeeper.
The approach seen from Everton felt more like a shortcut than a plan. United, meanwhile, have shown there are better ways to create chances from corners.
This season alone has seen several examples of their structured approach paying off. Bryan Mbeumo’s goal against Spurs and Luke Shaw’s near-miss versus West Ham both came from well-executed routines rather than brute force tactics.
It would be in the league’s best interest if referees start enforcing stricter punishments for these methods. It could help improve an area of the game that’s becoming increasingly chaotic and difficult to watch.
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