Everton vs Manchester United - Player Ratings

Manchester United’s Paddy McNair tries to evade Everton’s Romelu Lukaku and Aaron Lennon

Louis Van Gaal endured the same outcome his predecessor David Moyes witnessed at Goodison Park last year as United were soundly beaten 3-0 by the Merseyside Blues. After McCarthy scored withing the opening five minutes, Everton went 2-0 up before the break.

Despite attacking with real purpose, United were not able to break Everton's solid defence on the evening. Miralas's third goal deep into the second half sealed the game as a contest. At the end, United's Goodison misery continues as the Reds have now lost in their last three visits to the blue half of Merseyside.

Let us look at how the players performed on the night:

Everton

Tim Howard – 7/10

The former United goalie was exceptional on the night. He hardly put a foot wrong and was upto the task with whatever United threw at him.

Seamus Coleman – 7/10

He defended decently and surged forward regularly to put in dangerous crosses from his flank. No wonder United are keeping tabs on him.

John Stones – 8/10 (Man of the Match)

The youngster formed a great partnership with his experienced colleague and did a great job against the Red Devils. He also managed to get his name on the score sheet with a well-placed header.

Phil Jagielka – 7.5/10

No wonder David Moyes kept on showing his videos to United defenders during his time as the United boss. He was a commanding figure at the back of the defence and blocked or cleared anything which came at him.

Leighton Baines – 7/10

The English full-back was solid in defence and kept Valencia's threat under control in his side. He, however, did not offer the same width his full-back partner managed. However, it was from his corner, Everton grabbed the second

Gareth Barry - 7/10

He did a fine job by sitting in front of Everton's defence. He helped his defenders really well from the danger United posed. His passing was also good on the evening.

Aaron Lennon – 7/10

Lennon, who is on loan from Spurs offered great pace in quick counter attacks. And, he also helped his defenders by tracking back whenever required.

Ross Barkley – 7/10

Barkley did what his team needed from him, both in attack as well as in defence. He also provided the assist for the third goal.

James McCarthy – 8/10

McCarthy beat two United players to score Everton's opener within the opening five minutes. He was a constant threat for United on the night and put in a great shift.

Leon Osman – 6/10

Osman work rate on the evening was great. Be it in defence or in attack, he was always available for his team and closed down United players quickly without giving them a moment's peace.

Romelu Lukaku – 6.5/10

Lukaku may not have scored in the match, nonetheless United makeshift defenders struggled to cope with him. His huge physical presence was hard to contain for United defenders.

Substitutes

Kevin Mirallas (69') – 7/10

Mirallas repeated exactly what he managed against David Moyes's United last season by scoring in this fixture. Assisted by Barkley, he finished the game and was lively after coming on.

Arouna Kone (87') - N/A

Hardly any time to make an impact.

Steven Naismith (88') - N/A

Hardly any time to make an impact.

Manchester United

David de Gea – 6/10

He cannot be blamed for any of the goals. United conceded because of defensive errors. He otherwise did a fine job in between the sticks whenever called upon.

Antonio Valencia – 5/10

He offered great width to his side but did not do the same in the defence. Everton attackers went behind him easily.

Chris Smalling – 7/10

He was the only United defender who did a decent job on the evening. He stood tall when his fellow defenders were falling like a pack of cards. Especially the interception he made to prevent Lukaku from getting an easy tap-in in the first half was the highlight of his night.

Paddy McNair – 4/10

The 19-year-old could have done well with the opening goal scored by McCarthy as the Everton player got past him easily to score the opener. He struggled to keep up with Everton's pace for most of the match.

Luke Shaw – 5/10

He did not build on the Chelsea performance as Shaw too was caught out of position many times in his flank as Coleman enjoyed great room on the flank. However, he looked like one of the most likely to create an opening offensively.

Daley Blind - 5/10

He could have done well to help McNair with the opening goal. He was not able to protect his defenders with Everton's quick counter attacks. His passing was neat and tidy but could have definitely done more.

Ander Herrera – 6.5/10

Just like Blind, Herrera also struggled to contain Everton's quick attacks. He was also not at his best with his passing but looked better than the other United midfielders.

Juan Mata – 6/10

He helped United retain the ball and thereby helped Red Devils enjoy vast amounts of possession. However, he did not make any notable contribution with the ball and didn't help his defenders much.

Maroune Fellaini – 4/10 (Flop of the Match)

Not a night to remember for the former blue. Fellaini was not able to make the same kind of impact he recently managed and was making silly challenges which resulted in him getting cautioned in the first period. He also missed a glorious chance to level in the first half. As a result, Van Gaal replaced him at the break.

Ashley Young – 6/10

Young huffed and puffed on the left flank but was not able to manage any meaningful contribution. He did, however, link up well with Shaw.

Wayne Rooney - 6/10

Rooney tried his best but was not able to help the team much as the lone striker. Even after Falcao was introduced Rooney was not able to make the most alongside him. Rooney, however, could have had a goal at the start of the second half, but his shot was brilliantly saved by Howard.

Substitutes

Radmel Falcao (45') – 5/10

He came on to change United's fortune in the second half but was not able to manage it despite his lively performance.

Angel Di María (63') – 5/10

The British record signing also was not able to change the team fortune on the night after coming on. He did put in a couple of decent crosses.

Robin van Persie (88') - N/A

Hardly any time to make an impact.