Make no mistake about it – Manchester United didn’t just lose to a vibrant Everton side as the Premier League title race took another twist - but they were badly beaten up like a bloodied boxer left dangling on the ropes begging for the referee to put him out of his misery.

Not even the confidence from an historic triumph in the San Siro midweek could help them in their bruising encounter as the champions were outmuscled, outfought and physically overwhelmed by the Toffees, clearly reinvigorated by their resurgent form that has seen them claim victories over Manchester City and Chelsea as well.

 

The game marked the return of Wayne Rooney to his boyhood club, but the talisman found it tough going and had one of his worst games of the season. The difference in the United side when Rooney isn’t firing on all cylinders was clear to see.

The striker came to United’s rescue against AC Milan in the Champions League but without his usual poise and class at Goodison, they looked bereft of ideas and inspiration.

It was down to others to provide the spark but United’s midfield couldn’t grasp control at any stage throughout the game, missing composure and losing the ball too easily. Lacking cohesion in their play only compounded Rooney’s frustration.

Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher played well in patches in Milan but on Merseyside they couldn’t control the tempo and failed to contain the high intensity of Everton’s depleted side.

Without the likes of Tim Cahill and Marouane Fellaini it made the result and performance all the more impressive from David Moyes’ side, as their work-ethic, organization and positive attitude unsettled United from the early stages.

The character to come back from an early setback in the shape of Dimitar Berbatov’s strike will also delight but it wasn’t just a spirited fightback. Everton played with quality at times and youngster Jack Rodwell came off the bench to provide a real touch of class, scoring a superb solo goal to make certain of three points in injury time.

With Dan Gosling getting on the scoresheet as well, it turned out to be a good day for Everton’s youth system but one to forget for their former prodigy.

Many will wonder how they can follow-up the magnificence of their result in Italy a few days ago by such a drab performance, but truth is they didn’t even play that well against the Rossoneri either. The luck that was with them that night certainly deserted them this time round and deservedly so.

There will be a bit of soul-searching for Rooney and the rest of his beleaguered team-mates but United won’t hit the panic button yet. They have been in this position on numerous occasions before and bounced back. However, an injury, suspension or even a bad run of form for the club’s main star would leave them in a very precarious position domestically and in Europe.