Marouanne Fellaini towers above the United defence to earn three points for Everton as Sir Alex Ferguson’s side are shackled, with Robin Van Persie reduced to a cameo role. Here’s the stock check following the Goodison clash…
On The Up
Marouanne Fellaini
Pushed up in support of Nikaca Jelavic, the big Belgian was imperious and led the line with strength and composure. It’s not clear if David Moyes will persist with Fellaini in the role, with Steven Naismith and new signing Kevin Mirallas, the Everton boss clearly has options. However, this promises to be a big season for Fellaini and at 6.5 in the FPL and 4.7 in the Sky Sports Game, Fantasy managers may well be rethinking Steven Pienaar as the protagonist in Everton’s midfield ranks.
The Everton Defence
Moyes’ rearguard was defiant throughout and magnificent to a man. Leighton Baines delivered his first clean sheet of the season – he remains the luxury item in the Toffees back four but, on this form, a strong haul of clean sheets over the season could be in the offing to help justify the outlay.
David De Gea
While United struggled in attacking terms, De Gea stood firm against a first half blue tide, pulling off notable saves to keep the score deadlocked at the interval. With Anders Lindegaard breathing down his neck, the Spaniard has to produce. Tonight he was arguably United’s most impressive performer – he had to be.
Going Down
Wayne Rooney
Rooney was the danger man for United but Sir Alex Ferguson’s attacking players were far from potent. While they dominated possession and passed the ball well, they lacked a cutting edge and a direct threat. Rooney’s owners will go into the weekend clash with Fulham concerned that Robin Van Persie will be called upon to provide that, while Rooney retreats deep.
United’s Widemen
Ferguson appeared to allow his attacking players fluidity with Shinji Kawaga and Rooney interchanging up front or drifting deep to pick up the ball. The uncertainty surrounding Kawaga’s role and the likelihood of a Rooney/Van Persie pairing will cause concern. It appears we could see Nani, Antonio Valencia, Ashley Young, Danny Welbeck and Kawaga competing for two starts in wide areas throughout the season.
