Manchester United 3-0 Everton: Match Observations

International breaks sometimes affect teams as soon as they are over. Especially, if you’re a team like Manchester United and boast many international stars such as, say, Rooney or a Vidic and maybe even a Fletcher. Because it was the latter who set the standards in this highly comprehensive victory, with a stunning strike that sent the Stretford End erupting. Any trouble you would find from a long week of hard work was not apparent at Old Trafford.

This performance was more like the Man Utd we know and love. They dominated, not large parts of the game, but for all of the game as Everton really could not match United. It was almost like an exhibition match once the home side were 2-0 up, and you wonder how we haven’t seen enough of the same in this season, as this proves that they have it in them to pull of more convincing victories.

The away side had fielded a very defensive line up, and those tactics had backfired as they had lacked any real attacking depth and therefore had found chances hard to come by once Fletcher had scored his cracker. And before the goal, it was the hosts who had most chances.

Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs had efforts saved by former United ‘keeper Tim Howard, as the Red Devils had most of the possession and their quick, slick build up play forced Everton to push back. Louis Saha had a chance saved, the one of the two Everton chances which threatened Van der Sar, before a moment of magic by Fletcher lifted the roof of Old Trafford.

The Scot had let rip a curling volley after Antonio Valencia had headed into his path, and the score was deservedly 1-0, ten minutes shy of half time. After the break, Tim Cahill had a shot smothered by the goalkeeper, but it wasn’t long before the game had effectively ended when Michael Carrick had side-footed home after a strange move in which a mis-hit shot by Rooney had gone all the way to the corner flag, which was retrieved by Giggs, and his cross had found Carrick who finish was timed and too good for Howard.

And Antonio Valencia’s deflected strike after picking up a Paul Scholes’ pass had made the score 3-0 and the game was over. United find themselves five points behind leaders Chelsea, with the Blues next game against Arsenal.

Other Observations on the game

I have also identified some really good points to take out of the game. Patrice Evra was my man of the match, he was tireless and had worked hard and help create chances and was part of the impressive build up play in this game. I also liked Owen’s movement in the game, and he created good understanding with Wayne Rooney.

And it’s was good to see the defence playing well again. Still, not perfect but we kept a clean sheet and Wes Brown was particularly good, and looks comfortable in the centre-half position with Nemanja Vidic. Finally, Fletcher is a top player. His goal proves he can do just about anything, and already looks like the perfect replacement for Scholes once the veteran hangs up his boots. Darren Fletcher = Genius.