Rio Ferdinand awestruck by Demarai Gray in Everton 1-1 draw v Manchester United
Rio Ferdinand had special words of praise for Demarai Gray after Everton fought back to earn a 1-1 draw against Manchester United on Saturday.
Anthony Martial opened the scoring for the Red Devils at Old Trafford with a first-half effort but the Blues struck back brilliantly in the second half.
Andros Townsend was the goalscorer while Abdoulaye Doucoure laid on a sublime assist, but the move was initiated by Gray’s endeavour down the left-hand side of the pitch.
Speaking on BT Sport after the game, ex-England defender Ferdinand expressed his admiration for Gray.
“Demarai Gray was exceptional,” he said. “The goalscorer Townsend was a huge part of their play.
“They were brilliant today.”
Deadly duo
Rafa Benitez looks to have played a blinder with the summer signings of Gray and Townsend.
Little was made of the arrival as they came for modest fees [Gray – £1.7million, Townsend – free] but they have enjoyed spectacular beginnings to their Blues careers.
Even more impressive has been the way they have carried the attack in the absence of the regular front pairing Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Salomon Rondon formed a trio at Old Trafford today but he was way off the pace.
However, with Gray and Townsend on top form, the Venezuelan wasn’t even needed to claim a point.
In other Everton news, Kevin Campbell suggests the Blues could offload this player in January after a major development this week.
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