TheRed Devils completely bossed the opening period with 45 minutes of ambitious,attacking football. 

SirAlex Ferguson ordered his players to push forward and press Everton, with threepoints necessary after Chelsea’sthumping win over Wolves earlier in the day. 

Uniteddrove forward in numbers and proved too much for Everton to handle. Thedeadlock was broken by Darren Fletcher after a host of chances went beginning. Valencianodded the ball into the Scotland's path and he showed the sort of control thatabsentee Berbatov would be proud of, before drilling a swerving strike beyondex-Red Tim Howard. 

Thetravelling fans were frustrated and there seemed to be plenty of aggro in theaway end as Everton’s attempts to get back into the game were thwarted. Anotherex-United man, Louis Saha had a first-half opportunity, but United’s defencewas comfortable all afternoon. 

Theresult looked secure when Carrick bagged the second on 66 minutes. Rooney'shorrible shot ended up with Ryan Giggs by the corner flag, and the Welshmansquared for Carrick who turned home a fine drive. 

Thatgoal flattened any chance of an Everton fightback. The Toffees had showed somerenewed vigour after the interval following the Introduction of Yakubu, butdespite their superior strength and power, United had too much class. 

Valencia capped a fine early eveningwith a deflected strike as the Reds closed the gap back to five points with adisplay that underlines their title credentials. 

FullTime – Manchester United 3-0 Everton
Attendance – 75,169

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