Everton 0 Manchester United 1: Hernandez puts champions back on track

By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 3:21 PM on 29th October 2011

Javier Hernandez grabbed the only goal as Manchester United started to put their derby mauling behind them with a laboured victory at Everton.
The Mexican tapped in after 19 minutes to get the champions back on track in the Barclays Premier League after last week's 6-1 thrashing by Manchester City.
On the mark: Javier Hernandez strikes in the first half at Goodison Park
On the mark: Javier Hernandez strikes in the first half at Goodison Park

MATCH FACTS

Everton: Howard, Hibbert, Heitinga, Jagielka, Baines, Coleman, Fellaini, Rodwell, Bilyaletdinov (Barkley 46), Osman (Vellios 76), Saha (Gueye 84).
Subs Not Used: Mucha, Stracqualursi, McFadden, Mustafi.
Booked: Rodwell, Coleman,Fellaini.

Man Utd: De Gea, Jones, Vidic, Evans, Evra, Welbeck (Valencia 73), Cleverley (Nani 56), Fletcher, Park, Rooney, Hernandez (Berbatov 66).
Subs Not Used: Lindegaard, Ferdinand, Owen, Fabio/
Goals: Hernandez 19.
Att: 35,494
Referee: Mark Halsey (Lancashire)
Click here for the latest Premier League stats and tables
Yet it was a far from convincing performance by United and Everton twice went close to equalising as Leighton Baines hit the bar and David de Gea saved brilliantly from Jack Rodwell.
Everton also had plenty of possession in the closing stages of each half but lacked the cutting edge to truly worry the visitors.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson had given Jonny Evans a vote of confidence following his sending off against City by restoring him in defence after suspension. Evans took his place alongside Nemanja Vidic, himself sent off on Champions League duty recently, with Rio Ferdinand left on the bench.
Otherwise United's emphasis was on attack with Hernandez, Danny Welbeck and former Everton prodigy Wayne Rooney all starting.
Everton had problems with experienced pair Phil Neville and Tim Cahill ruled out, in-form Royston Drenthe suspended and defender Sylvain Distin unexpectedly missing from the teamsheet. That meant Phil Jagielka, who had been doubtful due to a hairline toe fracture, was pressed back into service.
Everton were the first side out of the blocks as Seamus Coleman burst down the right, cut inside Patrice Evra and fired a shot at David de Gea with just 15 seconds on the clock.
Pointing the way: Hernandez celebrates his goal with Darren Fletcher
Pointing the way: Hernandez celebrates his goal with Darren Fletcher
Race for the ball: Ji-Sung Park (left) and Johnny Heitinga battle it out
Race for the ball: Ji-Sung Park (left) and Johnny Heitinga battle it out
The visitors started brightly too with Welbeck jinking into the area and pulling back for Park Ji-sung at the near post, but the Korean's effort was blocked by former United keeper Tim Howard.
A chance appeared to open up outside the box for Rooney, whose reception from the Goodison crowd was not too bitter, but referee Mike Halsey got in the way and he stabbed wide.
United claimed the lead when an Evra cross found its way to Hernandez in front of goal.
Jagielka was unable to reach the ball from the left and Hernandez tapped in unmarked.

No way through: Leon Osman tries to get past United defender Nemanja Vidic
No way through: Leon Osman tries to get past United defender Nemanja Vidic
Welbeck almost sneaked in on goal when Jagielka headed back towards Howard after an awkward bounce but the American just beat the striker to the ball.
Everton responded as Leon Osman first won a free-kick off Vidic on the edge of the box after beating the Serbian with a nice piece of skill.
Another former United player, Louis Saha, shot into the wall and Osman forced De Gea to save when the ball was eventually worked back in. Moments later Rodwell seized possession but drove wide.
Everton maintained the pressure as Marouane Fellaini won another free-kick in a good position five minutes before the interval when felled by Darren Fletcher.
Baines, who missed a penalty in the Carling Cup in midweek, stepped up and curled a superb effort against the crossbar. Saha had another couple of opportunities before the break but failed to trouble De Gea.

Diving for cover: Phil Jagielka clears the danger from Danny Welbeck
Diving for cover: Phil Jagielka clears the danger from Danny Welbeck
Some intricate one-touch passing from United put Welbeck through in the opening moments of the second half but the striker was unable to control the final ball.
Rodwell extended De Gea for the first time when he cut inside onto his left foot from the right but the Spaniard produced a fine save to his right.
United immediately countered as Tom Cleverley, making his first Premier League appearance in seven weeks after recovering from a foot injury, released Hernandez with a brilliant long pass.

Stop him! Park and Hernandez attempt to halt Leighton Baines
Stop him! Park and Hernandez attempt to halt Leighton Baines

Watching on: Sir Alex Ferguson (left) and David Moyes keep track of the action
Watching on: Sir Alex Ferguson (left) and David Moyes keep track of the action
Guess who? Is that you, Wayne?
Guess who? Is that you, Wayne?

Hernandez came inside but lacked options and slowed, allowing Everton to come clear. That proved to be Cleverley's last major involvement as he limped off shortly afterwards to be replaced by Nani.
Hernandez then picked out a charging Welbeck with a crossfield pass but Howard reacted quickly to palm out his volley.
Everton pressed again with Saha twice having shots blocked in a goalmouth scramble before Rodwell blazed over. Coleman got an attempt on target but again failed to trouble De Gea.
The game went into six minutes of injury time, caused in part by an injury to an assistant referee which forced fourth official Phil Dowd into emergency action on the line.
Home fans wanted a penalty when Saha went down in the area but replays showed the Frenchman slipping and colliding with Evra.
After that United held firm.
They may have beaten Aldershot in the Carling Cup on Tuesday but this victory, in spite of the performance, will do much more for their confidence as the shockwaves from Old Trafford last week continue to reverberate.

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1 nil...ill take that at goodison...everton put up a strong fight but united looked comfortable in the end..all this talk about hernandez only scoring in the 6yard box...surely all that matters is that he puts the ball in the back of the net? you would rather play with him than against him i bet?!
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A very professional performance by United and a very important result. Nobody at United would've dreamed of having 23 points after the first 10 games given how hard the opening fixtures were. So you have to say that despite last week's debacle, United have made a great start to the season. You can't t take anything for granted in this league but United have what looks like 11 very winnable games coming up before the end of January and it wouldn't surprise me if they were top of the league come the new year.
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Manchester United are the best soccer team in the whole of the British league. Alan Ferguson is the best soccer coach ever. He should be the next coach for England. Manchester United will definitely win the World Cup next year!!!!!!!!
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A wingless United team,that's a change because it has always been one of their main strengths. Problem is the fact that all three wingers went off the boil at the same time! Vidic made a difference today and on the whole a good win at a difficult ground for us.
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Not at all impressive, but after last weeks desecration of the Theatre, any 3 points will do. Still, come January, someone other than Fletcher is required alongside Cleverley. Not Carrick, but maybe Anderson and another like Gotze.
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