Fan View vs Everton

A Darren Fletcher 20-yard thunderbolt strike set United on their way to a comfortable 3-0 victory over underperforming Everton at Old Trafford.

Not known for his striking prowess, the Scotsman managed to somehow swivel in a waist-high half-volley into the top corner of Tim Howard’s net just after the half-hour mark.

That came at a time when although dominating possession, United couldn’t find a way through the Everton defence. Attack after attack faltered when the ball entered the final third, with United’s excellent build up and midfield play being squandered.

Indeed, United could have gone behind when former Red Louis Saha burst through on goal, only for Wes Brown, in for the injured Jonny Evans, to make a brilliant sliding tackle. Although Saha had another tame shot comfortably saved by Edwin van der Sar, it appeared the visitors had come to frustrate United and be content with a point.

After Fletcher’s goal, the game inevitably opened up, with Everton also bringing on Yakubu early in the second half to support the isolated Saha, on his own up front to that point.

And it was the substitute who caused a heart in mouth moment for Old Trafford when he put in Tim Cahill, but the ever-impressive Van der Sar smothered at the Australian’s feet.

As it was, United killed the game off moments later around halfway through the second period.

From a corner, a quite awful Wayne Rooney shot on goal found its way back to Ryan Giggs by the corner flag, who in turn picked out Michael Carrick on the edge of the area with a brilliantly weighted pass.

When presented with the chance, Carrick made no mistake with a left side-footed finish. Hopefully, that will be the spur that the Englishman needs in the coming weeks, because the goal aside, his radar was off and he was continuously wasteful in possession.

Another below-par performance came from Michael Owen, who despite looking sharp, spurned two more good chances, the first when a poor touch around Howard made the angle impossible, and the second when a last-ditch block diverted the ball over the crossbar.

It was never going to affect the outcome, however, and the three points were sealed when substitute Paul Scholes played in Luis Antonio Valencia, who kept his good scoring run going when his deflected shot found the bottom corner.

The summer signing from Wigan was never going to be the new Ronaldo, but he has consolidated his place in this United side with constantly improving performances, and his fourth goal of the season is already his best ever return, despite only being late November.

All in all, a good evening’s work to stay within touching distance of Chelsea. With the Londoners also having to play Arsenal and City in their next two games, both away from Stamford Bridge, there will be hope that points will be dropped.

If they are, United look sure to capitalize, and their most complete home display of the season should give them the confidence they need. With Fletcher pulling the strings, Giggs still defying his age, Patrice Evra looking imperious on the left and Rooney his usual self, there is real cause for optimism again.

As Fergie said after the game, “We need to get on a run and be near the top by New Year’s Day.” Performances like this will help no end.

By Matt Lihou