Manchester United recorded an impressive 3-0 victory at Everton, roaring back into form following their defeat at Arsenal.
Goodison Park has been somewhat of a bogey-ground for United, with the club having lost on their previous three visits to the stadium.
With news of former manager Howard Kendall’s death breaking not long before kick-off, the home fans were slightly subdued.
United took control in the first half, with goals from Morgan Schneiderlin and the returning Ander Herrera making it 2-0 at the break.
Although Everton looked much improved in the second half, a United break saw Wayne Rooney score against his former team, ending the scoring and ensuring the away team head into a mouth-watering Manchester derby with the wind in their sails.
Perhaps the biggest talking point amongst Manchester United supporters was the involvement of Ander Herrera.
Louis van Gaal’s reluctance to play the Spaniard has baffled the United faithful on many occasions, but his performance at Goodison – in place of Memphis Depay – should surely underline his value to his manager.
There were plenty that admired Herrera’s display…
Well done, @AnderHerrera. MOTM. #mufc #matchdaymac
— Stretford Paddock (@StretfordPaddck) October 17, 2015
Can we all agree that Ander Herrera should always start ✋🏼
— حبيبة (@Habiba309) October 17, 2015
https://twitter.com/jonny_isaacs/status/655414492042559488
Ander Herrera with an assist and a goal. It's almost as if he's really, really good at football.
— Alex Shaw (@AlexShawTel) October 17, 2015
… and others that admired his looks…
https://twitter.com/jardineadam/status/655414518319882240
The absence of Memphis didn’t seem to concern many observers either.
What I liked the most about LvG today was benching Memphis Depay..
— Nadim (@Nadim_UTD) October 17, 2015
With some pointing out that Anthony Martial posed more of a threat on the wing than the Dutchman.
When you realise that Anthony Martial plays striker way better than Wayne Rooney AND plays winger way better than Memphis Depay 😂😂😂😂🚶🏻
— DaSuKi (@chukaobi) October 17, 2015
And speaking of Wayne Rooney, his performance at Goodison didn’t convince everyone that he was worthy of a place in the team, despite passing Andy Cole’s league goal tally for the club….
https://twitter.com/ordinaryk/status/655418408406765568
But nevertheless, Rooney has his first away goal since November 2014 and his first at Goodison since 2007.
United’s next task is an away game against CSKA Moscow in the Champions League, and it will be interesting to see Van Gaal’s selections against the Russian side.
