Lots of Everton fans have been lauding Leighton Baines on social media for his ‘quality’ display at Old Trafford, as the Toffees drew 1-1 with Manchester United.
Baines had featured just once this season before taking to the field on Sunday, after playing the final eight minutes of our win over Chelsea when brought on by interim head coach Duncan Ferguson to replace Lucas Digne following an injury to the French full-back.
Ferguson had to make the identical switch far earlier into proceedings on Sunday, as Digne was unable to continue beyond the 25th-minute after pulling up with what appeared to be a groin problem.
It did not take long before Baines would make a telling contribution to the action, as the 35-year-old delivered the corner which led to Red Devils centre-back Victor Lindelof blindly directing the ball into his own net to open the scoring in the 36th-minute.
Baines’ delivery meant the £65,000-per-week defender created his first Premier League goal in 595 days, having last assisted a top-flight strike in April 2018 when Idrissa Gana Gueye found the back of the net against Huddersfield Town.
As well as taking over set-piece duties at Old Trafford, with two of our total five corners, Baines recorded 46 touches, completed 20 of 23 passes, hit one shot and took possession with his sole attempted tackle, per WhoScored data.
Does Baines deserve another contract extension?
Yes, if he wants one
No, it's time to move on
The veteran ace, who is out of contract in the summer, also penned four clearances and one interception, but could not connect with a teammate with either of his three open-play crosses, register a long ball or key pass, according to Sofa Score statistics.
Here are some of the messages shared as fans reacted to Baines’ performance against Manchester United on Sunday…
Quality cross from Baines👏🏻 #EFC
— Kieran (@Kieran97COYB) December 15, 2019
The left peg of Baines is the 8th wonder… I’m sure there is space in the marvel universe for him when he retires…. #EFC
— Dan mannion (@ManDannion) December 15, 2019
Special mention to Leighton baines by the way 35 n bombing up an down the line 👏🏼
— Mills (@ConnorEFC18) December 15, 2019
What a luxury it is to be able to have Leighton Baines. My favorite Everton player ever and he really hung in there today in less than ideal circumstances. #EFC https://t.co/OzwKtHZmsZ
— Rob Vera (@TheRobVera) December 15, 2019
Leighton baines can still play Yano #EFC id play him & digne down the left all day at the moment
— THE RUX (@Devers10) December 15, 2019
Just how good was 35 y/o Leighton Baines today though. Unreal servant to the club.
— Adam (@adxmEFC) December 15, 2019
Right enough about Kean. I thought Holgate DCL and Baines were absolute quality today! #EFC
— Pidge (@Pidge76) December 15, 2019
Leighton baines is my favourite ever Everton player. Goodnight xx
— Lee Jones (@leej_efc) December 15, 2019
Big fan of 35 year old Leighton Baines not playing for months and easily pocketing James for 70 minutes at Old Trafford. 🔵 pic.twitter.com/nGs1KLmqMU
— Rose (@Rose_YouTubeEFC) December 15, 2019
Oi Baines is still the best in the world in my eyes 🥰 #efc #coyb
— Curd Swiller (@CurdSwiller) December 15, 2019
In other Everton news, a manager has confirmed his side’s intent to land a 5 ft 10 Blues man in the January window.