They rightly say revenge is sweet. The word often brings a smile across the faces of the avenger and that’s exactly the kind of role Manchester United played when they visited strolled to a 3-0 win over a lackluster Everton side. United opened the scoring through new signing Morgan Schneiderlin after a well-worked set piece routine broke down, but the ball fell to the Frenchman, who side-footed it into the bottom corner. United doubled their advantage when Marcos Rojo’s brilliant cross found Ander Herrera and beat Tim Howard comfortably. United scored the third through skipper Wayne Rooney, who was put clean through by Ander Herrera, before receiving a pass from Morgan Schneiderlin as Phil Jagielka lost the ball cheaply in the midfield.
So, here’s how the players rank, as United keep their bid for the title alive.
Tim Howard – 5
The American conceded 3, simple as that. Although he can’t be blamed entirely for conceding them but he could’ve done better when Wayne Rooney scored from the one on one. Wasn’t at fault for anything apart from that but the defense let him down.
Brendan Galloway- 6
The 19-year-old, who’s been nothing short of a revelation for Roberto Martinez was a bit here and there throughout the game. He can be blamed for allowing Herrera to remain free, but we saw glimpses of a good amount of pace too. Would’ve loved to be a part of the game, though.
Phil Jagielka- 5
It was a rather disappointing day at the office for the Everton skipper. He simply looked a shadow of his true self and was shaky throughout the game. His ball distribution was out of sorts, he was at fault for the third and even for the first, when he couldn’t keep Smalling quiet enough.
John Stones- 6
We saw shades of what he’s capable of- the tenacity and hunger that he actually possesses, but there wasn’t anything substantial in there for us to say that he played well. He was caught out of position when Herrera scored the second and apart from that, was a rash and hurried too.
Seamus Coleman- 4
It was a return to action for the Irishman, as he missed the previous four games, but his showing was no way close to his best. Looked shaky and tired from the offset and would need more game time to become what he was earlier.
Gareth Barry- 5
There was nothing the aging Englishman could do as the United midfield picked them apart and over ran them at will. Failed to take control of the game and the flair in United’s attacking play rocked him.
James McCarthy- 5
Much like his midfield partner, there was hardly anything he could do and was left helpless as the United subjugation commenced. They were taken off guard by United’s fluidic movement and panache.
Steven Naismith- 4
Looked completely off color and ineffective. Was a complete opposite of how he usually is.
Ross Barkley- 6
Did look a tad better than others, but many things that he tried to execute didn’t come off. Wasn’t allowed much time and space on the ball too.
Aaron Lennon- 5
The long forgotten Englishman was largely ineffective. His pair of quick feet didn’t work and was sometimes forced to track back and do the dirty work by performing defensive duties.
Romelu Lukaku- 7
The best Everton player on the pitch by far. Looked menacing, but Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo did well to keep quiet and kept track of his clever off the ball movements.
Arouna Kone( came on for Steve Naismith)- 6
Looked sharp when he came on, tried to pull off out of the ordinary things, but faded as the game wore on.
Gerard Deulofeu (came on for Aaron Lennon) – 5
Was hardly visible after coming on and even if he was, couldn’t make any sort of a difference.
Manchester United-
David de Gea- 8
Made two crucial saves in the second half and the first one off Lukaku was a trademark to be honest. Both were crucial to United’s win.
Matteo Darmian – 8
It was a good comeback by the Italian after he was destroyed by Alexis Sanchez the other day. Looked steady, calm, composed and above all, his usual, reliable self.
Chris Smalling- 9
A standout performer without whom Romelu Lukaku may well have looked more dangerous. Never allowed him any bit of space and was strong in the tackle and resolute.
Phil Jones- 8
Looked compact alongside Smalling and his performance bettered after enduring a painful, bloody nose.
Marcos Rojo – 8
Another standout performer of the game. Never let anyone in behind him easily and the cross that led to the second goal was truly magical. Looked adept in both sectors of the park
Juan Mata- 7
Looked slightly less menacing than the other forward thinking players despite Everton looking sloppy and agitated. Was taken off for Jesse Lingard in the second half, with Van Gaal deeming at a tactical change.
Morgan Schneiderlin- 8
A more improved and assured performance from the Frenchman as he got his first goal in United colors. Looked solid and passed the ball around well.
Bastian Schweinsteiger – 8
The German skipper was able to pull the strings from deeper areas and Everton failed to put on the breaks on whatever he did. Another defining performance by the 31-year-old.
Ander Herrera- 9
Seems like he’s the attacking midfielder that United need. He looked creative, tenacious, chirpy and moved very well. Was always looking to get on the ball do things for the side.
Anthony Martial – 8
It was a promising performance from the teenager, despite being deployed on the left, much like how he was played for France. Showed glimpses of sublime control, dribbling skills and intent.
Wayne Rooney- 7
The skipper did get the goal, but still didn’t look at his best. The finish was a good one, but I still think that he lacked a bit of pace and nippiness. His form is hopefully on its way up.
Jesse Lingard( on for Juan Mata)- 7
The United youth product looked bright and sharp on the ball, showed how good he is when running into open spaces and how well he is making use of the ball.
Michael Carrick( on for Bastian Schweinsteiger) – 7
The 34-year old didn’t have much to do except for keeping the ball and passing it around. United were winding the shutters down already.
Marouane Fellaini( on for Ander Herrera)– Can’t be rated.