I set the alarm at 3, all excited about the new season. United invested on three new faces with a couple of those on display at the game last night. Van Persie started from the bench and only appeared for the last 20 minutes or so, for the much maligned Danny Wellbeck.
The first half was all Everton, with United struggling to cope with the aerial presence of Marouone Fellaini. De Gea was a decent shot-stopper but his presence in the box still need some working, but compared to last season, he was much better. With Ferdinand out injured, Carrick deputised at center back. Both he and Vidic coped well on the deck, but struggled with crosses.
Midfield was compact Scholes and Cleverley playing close to each other, with Wellbeck and Nani providing the width. The new number 7, Valencia was at right back, hence United struggled to provide penetration. Often, Kagawa had to drop deep to pick up the passes, isolating Rooney up front. With Distin and Jagielka forming a solid shield, United struggle to get the breakthrough.
A series of stunning stop by De Gea kept the match goalless until halftime, but the soon after the break, Fellaini got his just reward for being a thorn, out jumping Vidic Carrick from a corner. De Gea had no chance. United tried to assert their authority after that with injection of some pace. Van Persie was introduced, but again, he dropped deep, and sometimes wide rather than being an all out striker. We have yet to fine the right balance with our attacking formations. Our wingers failed to kept the pitch wide or find the forwards with their crosses. The Everton defense stood their ground well against what United had to offer.
Disappointed but not dissatisfied. Was not exactly the start of the season I was hoping for, but it was better to lose early doors and start building up. On for the game .....
