Marouane Fellaini's bullet of a header early in the second half was enough to seal all three points for Everton in what was a solid and very professional job done by the home side. United however will be wondering how they couldn't get themselves on the score-sheet having spent a bucket-load on attacking talent this summer.
Everton Vs Manchester United: Final Score 1-0 As Fellaini Header Gives Everton Deserved Win
Everton started where they left off by going straight on the front foot and almost taking the lead with 48 minutes on the clock. Tony Hibbert's cross to the back post saw Marouane Fellaini rise highest, nodding back to Leon Osman who crashed a half-volley off the crossbar with De Gea well beaten.
Not that Everton could sit and rue their misfortune as Shinji Kagawa lead the counter attack for the visitors, playing in Danny Welbeck who was bearing down on goal, only to be denied by a superb last-ditch tackle from Phil Jagielka.
It came as little surprise when Everton did take the lead on 57 minutes, and even less surprising was the fact it was Fellaini who did so. A routine goal for the big Belgian who simply powered in a close range header from Baines’ corner. A deserved lead for the home side, and for Fellaini who had been magnificent all game.
The visitors had a superb chance to equalize on 66 minutes when with the ball bobbling around the Everton six-yard box Kagawa played the ball away from Tim Howard and into the path of Tom Cleverley who's shot was cleared off the line by Jagielka.
This was cause for Sir Alex Ferguson to finally introduce Robin Van Persie to the fray at the expense of Danny Welbeck. It seemed a good move at the time given United had spent the majority of the time since Fellaini's goal to this point camped in the Everton half.
Van Persie’s first impactful piece of play came on 78 minutes when he skipped past Distin and played in a beauty of a ball to Kagawa in the area, but Howard got enough on the Japanese international’s dinked effort to deflect the ball away from danger.
United continued to press as Everton's midfield sunk deeper and deeper into their own territory as they looked to hold the lead, but the door was slammed shut by the Toffee's steadfast defence all night. Substitutes Ashley Young and Anderson were both reduced to poor efforts from distance.
Overall Everton come away with a fantastic and well deserved victory following a very entertaining game at Goodison Park today.
For more match reaction form both sides head to our Everton site Royal Blue Mersey, or for a Manchester United take head to The Busby Babe.
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