Match Day 1 - Man Utd vs Everton

When : 20-08-2012, Monday

What : Everton vs Manchester United

Where : Goodison Park.

Attendance: 38,415

Referee: Andre Mariner.

Result : Everton 1- 0 Manchester United

Scorers: Fellani - 57th Minute (Header)

Assist: Darren Gibson

Manchester United traveled to Goodison Park for their first match of the season. Having lost out on the league title in the dying seconds of last season and losing it only on goal difference, United are hungrier for success and revenge. Their intent was clear in the transfer window, spending big on Van Persie and Kagawa.  United started the match in a 4-4-2 formation. 

Having been limited by injuries, United had a make shift defense with Carrick partnering Vidic in the centre of defense. Valencia played RB and Evra was at LB. Scholes and Cleverly played in the midfield with Nani on the left and Kagawa, starting his first premier league match, on the right side if midfield. Rooney and Wellback were the two upfront. Van Persie was on the bench as was Anderson, Berbatov, Rafael, Ashley Young and Lindergaard. 

Everton started the match on a brighter note. Fellani looked like the man on the mission right from kick off. He hardly gave the United midfield any time on the ball. He won almost everything in the air and received the ball every time Howard kicked it long. The Everton midfield of Gibson, Piennar , Osman and Neville pressed higher and played a quick tempo game that unsettled United. Baines stormed forward on every occasion and put in some brilliant crosses from set pieces. Nani was booked as early as the 3rd minute of the match for a a reckless challenge and Scholes was booked in the 13th Minute for challenge from behind. 

United though had their chances and Wellback troubled the Everton back line with his pace. For United, kagawa looked sharp and played well, cutting open the Everton defense on two occasions with a neat through ball, only for Wellback's shot to be blocked by the defenders. Rooney was not his usual self and his first touch was pretty average and his passing was also not accurate. But the biggest disappointment for United on the night was Nani. He seemed absolutely clueless and kept running into Baines and later into Hibbert when he switched flanks. Cleverly and Scholes tried to keep ball in the midfield but were often outplayed by the Everton midfield . Valencia made a few forward runs and also did his job as a right back. Evra still seems to be out of form and was caught napping on a few occasions by Piennar and Osman.

 The bright spot for United was the return of Vidic. He was playing after 8 months but he looked a rock in defense dealing with the runs of Fellani and Jelavic. Carrick put in a decent effort as Vidic's defensive partner , blocking many passes but was helpless when Fellani out muscled and out jumped him for the goal . David De Gea tried to keep United in the game with some brilliant saves once again proving his shot stopping abilities. United looked like they were gaining some momentum when Cleverly had a shot cleared of the line and Wellback almost hit the target. The introduction of Van Persie raised the hopes of the travelling supporters but Everton held on to their lead and earned a well deserved 3 points. 

             

Overall United still looked a little bit rustic and the injuries have also not helped the team. It would take some time for the likes of Persie and Kagawa to get into the groove.

Man of The Match: Fellani

United's player of the Match : David De Gea

                                                                             

Next Fixture: 

Manchester United vs Fulham 

When : 25-08-12 

Where : Old Trafford

Sources: Guardian.co.uk
               football365.com