Everton vs. Man United: Post-Game Thoughts

I really didn't want to do this, but I must. Everton won the match 1-0. Here's my thoughts...

Everton were far and away the better team, especially in the midfield where Neville, Gibson, and Fellaini ran rampant on Man United's midfield and defense. Everton also made David De Gea work, peppering him with shots and free-kicks. Everton definitely exposed United's defensive midfield problems, and there was no question that they deserved to win this match.

Now on to United, and I'll start with the positives. Kagawa looked really good out there with his vision and his passing. I am really excited to see what he can really do in the following games. David De Gea was also very good as well, making some brilliant saves.

Now the negatives, United had a lot of possession but they didn't really do anything with it. It looked like watching Arsenal out there, with trying to walk the ball into the net and stuff. They didn't really test Tim Howard with shots, they just seemed content with knocking the ball around the outside of Everton's 18-yard box with no real tenacity.

Wayne Rooney had a terrible display today, though you can argue that he wasn't very match fit. I think that is a bit of an excuse. I'm sure Rooney will improve as the games happen. He can't be this bad for longer, can't he? Nani was also very poor, with his low point being his crossing, which was abysmal.

Man United's defense was also a bit shaky, but you would have to expect that if you only have two regular defenders starting in the match (Vidic and Evra). It doesn't help that Evans, Ferdinand, Jones and Smalling are all out injured, which left the defense a bit short. That meant that Carrick had to come in as cover as a center-back. He was sorely missed at the midfield. Valencia also had to go at RB as well, and he did an okay job.

I always thought that if United stayed relatively healthy, then they would be winning the league for sure. But with these injuries, especially in the back, I'm not so sure. This is not doom and gloom, but the performance from United today was a bit worrying. This is only the first game of the season though, and the performances will be better. Everton away is always a tough place to go and get points. 37 games left, let's go.