Darren Fletcher scored a memorable goal as he launched Manchester
United on their way to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Everton.
Although they were already well on top against the Merseysiders
who, apart from a brief five-minute second-half flurry were completely
outclassed, United were struggling to make the breakthrough until
Fletcher fired home a magnificent volley.
Michael Carrick and Antonio Valencia were also on target to complete
the Red Devils' biggest win since August and ensure they heeded
Sir Alex Ferguson's pre-match call for a more clinical attitude.
Over the past 12 months, Fletcher has emerged as one of the most
influential players in the Premier League.
The Scot's style might not be to everyone's taste - Arsene Wenger
labelled him "anti-football'' earlier this season.
But his value to the Red Devils is immeasurable, to the point he
was shifted to right-back when Paul Scholes was introduced after
an hour.
Indeed, May's sobering Champions League final defeat to Barcelona
in May was part of a sequence that has seen Fletcher miss seven
of United's last nine defeats.
His effectiveness, it has to be admitted, is mostly destructive.
However, he scored twice in the thrilling derby win over Manchester
City in September and Fletcher is making a point of getting himself
into goalscoring positions more often.
He did not exactly have the Everton goal at his mercy though as
Antonio Valencia stretched to nod a deep Patrice Evra cross into
his path 10 minutes before the break.
|
