Everton 0-3 Man United
by James Nalton
at Goodsion Park

Everton manager Roberto Martinez spoke of his side’s uncharacteristic slowness following a 3-0 loss at home to Manchester United on Saturday.

“We conceded a goal that affected us too much,” he said.

“From that point on we wasted the first half. We were very slow, negative and reactive in what we were doing.”

On a day of tributes to former Toffees player and manager Howard Kendall, whose passing was announced on the morning of the game, the result mattered little and the home side’s performance reflected an understandably subdued mood around Goodison Park.

The first goal came on 18 minutes when Everton’s defence failed to clear a corner. The ball eventually fell to Morgan Schneiderlin who was lurking at the far post and he steered the ball into the corner with aplomb.

It took just two minutes for United to double their lead. A Marcos Rojo cross found Ander Herrera and the unmarked Spaniard sent an assured header past Tim Howard.

Everton created several chances as the second half began but just as they were beginning to threaten a Phil Jagielka mistake presented the ball to the opposition and Wayne Rooney finished one-on-one with Howard from Herrera’s through-ball.

Louis van Gaal commented on the goal, which was Rooney’s first away goal in 11 months, saying: “He needed this goal. Maybe it’s the start of many many goals now.”

He also praised Herrera, who was excellent throughout. “When I have to mention one name, I have to mention Herrera,” he said. “He played very well and he made a great contribution in the goals.”

Martinez added after the match that he’d hoped the day’s bad news wouldn’t affect the players and gave his own tribute to Kendall. “Pre-match we were really sad to hear the news but we wanted to change it around and make it a real celebration,” he said.

“Kendall is such an iconic footballer at our club and what he achieved as a manager will always be an inspiration. He deserves an incredible amount of respect and a big thank you for putting Everton at the level that he put us.”