Manchester United 3 Everton 0- Sir Alex insists every game a must win now
22 Nov 2009 - 00:38:02
Sir Alex Ferguson laid down a challenge to his Manchester United team as they beat Everton to keep up the pursuit of Chelsea at the top of the Premier League.
Manager Ferguson declared: 'We have to look at all the games as 'must win' now. We need to get on a run and be somewhere near the top of the league by New Year's Day. Then, in the second half of the season, we can have a real go and give ourselvesa chance.'
Three midfielders gave Michael Owen a lesson in finishing as the England striker spurned a rare opportunity to shine in the Premier League.
Splendid strike: Darren Fletcher fires United in front at old Trafford
Darren Fletcher, Michael Carrick and Antonio Valencia broke strongEverton resistance, with Fletcher's 'unbelievable' opener the pick oftheir goals - coming from the Eric Cantona school of volleying.
But while the victory established United once again as Chelsea'sclosest challengers in the title race, there was frustration for WorldCup also-ran Owen, who failed to capitalise on Dimitar Berbatov'sabsence with two bad misses.
He took the ball too wide of Tim Howard with his first opportunityand was then denied by a Sylvain Distin block with his second -although United did score from the resulting corner.
Pure delight: Darren Fletcher celebrates after scoring his stunning goal for United
How Owen must wish he had scored a goal like Fletcher's to break thedeadlock after 35 minutes.
Patrice Evra's far-post cross was noddedback by Valencia and Fletcher shaped up perfectly to half-volley theball into the top corner.
'It was a quality finish. We don't expect that type of goal from Darren Fletcher but we'll take it,' said Sir Alex.
Team-mate Evra was more effusive. 'Wow! It was an unbelievable goal.Darren is a great player and I am happy he scored like that.'
Everton never looked capable of getting back into the game once theywere behind. No wonder they have lost 27 of their last 35 matchesagainst United.
On the spot: Michael Carrick doubles United's lead at Old Trafford
At least their team showed courage, particularly Johnny Heitinga,who carried on after receiving a deep cut above his eye due to a strayelbow from Nemanja Vidic.
United's win placed them above Arsenal, five points behind Chelsea.But even their most ardent fan could not deny some of the swagger isstill missing without Cristiano Ronaldo.
The goals were all quality strikes but much of what lay in between was routine blood, sweat and tears.
Three and easy: Antonio Valencia watches his shot deflect past Tim Howard for England's third goal
Ferguson tried to see the positives. 'We would have taken 3-0 beforethe game,' he said. 'You need patience to break Everton down and wescored at important times. We haven't done enough to kill teams offwith the second goal but we did on this occasion.
'Once we scored that, we were in the comfort zone and I couldn't see any way back for Everton.
'Everyone has been talking about lack of goals from midfield but wegot some here and the clean sheet was the most important of all.'
Happy enough: United boss Sir Alex Ferguson after the final whistle
For half-an-hour Everton looked an organised outfit, with reported Manchester United target Jack Rodwell doing his bit.
Wayne Rooney, still taunted by Everton fans who once idolised him,could not get his A-game going alongside Owen despite their greatpartnership for England, particularlyat Euro 2004.
So it was left to Fletcher to provide the inspiration with a fierce finish.
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