Quality Finishing

Don't mess with Super Scot Fletch

The loss at Stamford Bridge 2 weeks ago saw the Blues cementing their place at the top. United is not about to let that stay there so they gotta have grounds to make up for. Everton's visit to Old Trafford is filled with interesting tales of relationship between club and players. Of course, the most notable one being Rooney, old Evertonian boy, then apparently, Owen was a former fan of Everton even when he was playing in Liverpool. And then there's Saha, returning back to Old Trafford and currently, he's outscoring both Owen and Rooney personally. Tim Howard also returned, as always on Everton games. Only Phil Neville was missing from this intercity reunion.

Man Utd looked organised for this match and dominated in terms of possession. That was a good response following the international break. There were a few times which they were able to break the deadlock early on with efforts from Rooney and Giggs. It was not until the 35th minute that brave Scot Fletcher smashed in a stunning strike from outside the box to put United 1-0 up. It has to be said that Fletcher has improved tremendously this season. Woe to those who write him off because he's certainly pack a punch in terms of damage done. The combative midfielder not only attempts to take more shots this time, he's starting to intercept balls in the center and really fought tooth and nail for possession. Fletcher's utility shouldn't be underestimated when Rafael was substituted later off later where he filled in at the right back. He's staking a strong claim already for a regular place and it seems that Fergie is happy to reward him with that. It's unthinkable to say this a couple of years ago but Fletcher is perhaps one of the most underrated midfielders in the Premier League now given the impact that he has given to United.

Owen also had a few very close chances to get onto the score sheet but alas, it was unfortunate that he couldn't put one in the net eventhough some of the runs he did were really timed well. The second goal came in the second half when Rooney's shot missed the goal by a wide margin. Apparently, all the Everton defenders thought it was going out for a goal kick. But not Giggs as he was there to pick up the ball and delivered it back into the the center of the penalty box to the surprise for most of the Evertonian defenders. A header knocked the ball to Carrick's path and he duly slammed it into the bottom corner with technical precision. Valencia showed his hunger for goals when he too popped one in past Howard. 3-0 and it was another day at the job or stroll in the park for Man Utd. Where Owen and Rooney failed to find the net, it was the middle men who put on their shooting boots for the match. It was quality stuff from the midfielders and they drilled in right quality finishing that has been absent from the central midfield in many years. Kudos especially to Fletcher who has upped the quality of his game as he looks set to be another United academy graduate becoming a permanent fixture in the Man Utd team. Fletcher may not be Fabregas but few can question his fiery passion for the team like Rooney when he plays the game, unlike some lethargic figures such as Berbatov..lol.