Everton 0 United 1

United got back to winning ways with a narrow win at Goodison Park this Saturday lunchtime.

Team News - Following the humiliation by Manchester City last weekend, Sir Alex Ferguson shuffled his pack for the trip to Goodison Park.

The defence was strengthened by the return of Vidic and Jones whilst Ferdinand dropped to the bench. Up front, Ferguson surprised a few by opting to go for Rooney, Hernandez and Welbeck.

Another high-profile casualty who found himself on the bench was Nani, as Ferguson sought the three points on offer that were a necessity to keep on the shirttails of Manchester City.

United - De Gea, Evra, Evans, Vidic, Jones, Park, Cleverley, Fletcher, Rooney, Hernandez, Welbeck

Subs - Lindegaard, Ferdinand, Fabio, Nani, Valencia, Owen, Berbatov

First Half - United got the action underway and what an exciting start it was. In the first minute, Everton had a chance when Coleman jinked inside and hit a shot straight at De Gea whilst United responded immediately with Welbeck bursting into the box and pulling a ball back for Park who saw Howard block his shot.

Everton were pushing forward but the United defence coped admirably with a succession of crosses into the box. After the super-fast start by both sides, the game, around the ten minute mark, settled down to a more sedate pace. With Rooney, Hernandez and Welbeck playing, Rooney appeared to be operating in a deeper roll, collecting the ball and trying to make things happen.

Rooney, having turned past Fellaini, tried a shot from the edge of the box but his effort went well wide. But two minutes later, United did take the lead courtesy of Javier Hernandez.

Some good work by Cleverley and Welbeck saw Evra deliver a cross for, the unmarked, Mexican to turn in from close range.

Everton 0 United 1 (Hernandez - 19 minutes)

Rodwell received the first yellow card of the afternoon for a foul on Jones. Everton did well to thwart Jones as he rampaged into the area after one of his now famous charges down the flank.

Everton were awarded a free kick after Vidic handled the ball but Saha`s shot was blocked by Hernandez. The pressure was maintained though and De Gea was forced into a save from Osman`s low shot before Rodwell drove a shot wide.

Our hosts continue dot enjoy a good spell and Baines almost got them on level terms when he hit the underside of the bar when his free kick was lofted over the wall with real skill.

United tried to spring a counter-attack but Hernandez`s low shot was easily gathered by Howard. Everton finished the half with De Gea saving from Saha

Half Time - Everton 0 United 1

Everton replaced Bilyaletdinov with Barkley at half time but the start to the second half was far more sedate than that of the first. Jagielka did well to block an effort from Cleverley before Evans poor clearance saw De Gea forced to save, albeit with his face after he wasn`t quick enough to get his hands to the ball.

Cleverley, just back from injury, appeared to be limping after a challenge but soldiered on. A swift United move involving Hernandez and Welbeck saw the latter force Howard into a fine save.

As the half approached its final stages Hibbert produced a great curling cross that Vidic was force dot put behind for a corner and Jones, blocked the shot from the resulting corner, although there was a suspicion of handball.

Moyes went for broke introducing Gueye and the home side thought they should have had a penalty when he tumbled under a challenge from Evra.



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