Wayne Rooney could not score his 100 goals of his career as Manchester United were held with a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park. United goal came in the first half by Darren Fletcher while Everton could equalized in the second half by Fellaini.
By dropping two valuable points, United have to wait other results to check their position in the Premier League table and they must win their postponed game against Fulham to stay close from the top four.
Manchester United starting lineup had seen the comeback of Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra. Ryan Giggs started the game again as a central midfielder, duo to Carrick and Hargreaves injuries, partnering Darren Fletcher who scored the game only goal.
The first threat came from Louis Saha. In the 10th minute the former United striker has wasted a glorious chance to feed in Arteta, who had drifted off his marker at the far post. The Frenchman went for goal but his effort from the edge of the box was blocked by Wes Brown’s fine challenge.
Then United have dominated the game. After many chances Darren Fletcher has opened the scoring from Ryan Giggs’ clever pass. A superb first touch took him past Lescott, and the finish was perfect pass Howard legs.
Although United were leading, Howard was the man for Everton as he made two great saves. First when Ronaldo’s snapshot from the edge of the box and later when he sent Giggs curved ball away.
Wayne Rooney was not in his day. Everton fans were bowing all the time when he touched the ball. The golden boy did some effort but it could not convert into goals.
After 15 minutes of the 2nd half, Everton were level. When Fellaini has converted Phil Neville’s cross from the right with a header. Fellaini was quicker than Vidic and sent the ball to the left angle giving Van der Sar no chance to save his goal.
Sir Alex Ferguson recognized Everton threat and made three substitutions during the second half by replacing Park, Rooney and Fletcher with Anderson, Nani and Tevez.
These attacking changes helped United to create chances. But with no return especially from Cristiano Ronaldo who has the best chance to give United the lead but he sent the ball away from Howard’s goal.
Can United bounce back?
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