United looked to be on course to return to the Premier League summit when Berbatov powered home a clinical strike to break the deadlock.

The Bulgarian frontman locked onto Antonio Valencia's cross and drilled home a fierce effort off the woodwork.

However, Everton responded quickly and were level within three minutes. Diniyar Bilyaletdinov hit a fantastic drive from twenty yards out and a stunned Edwin van der Sar could only watch as the net bulged.

The Toffees knocked the ball around superbly well and, at times, had United's backline reeling. Skipper Gary Neville looked distinctly off the pace as Everton stamped their authority on proceedings and sealed the win with two goals inside the final fourteen minutes.

Everton's second came from young substitute Dan Gosling. The United defence failed to pick him up as he turned home Steven Pienaar's cross and United suddenly looked set for a sixth league defeat of the season.

Sir Alex Ferguson threw Michael Owen on from the bench in the hope of snatching a dramatic equality, but the result was wound up on ninety minutes as Jack Rodwell charged into the United box and fired an accurate finish home.

Chelsea's win at Hull later in the day leaves United four points off the pace and leaves the Stamford Bridge club heavy favourites in the title race.

Full Time - Everton 3-1 Manchester United

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