In yesterday’s match at Old Trafford it was the American and Flemish against the Englishman and Dutchman. That meant it was Manchester United against Everton.

Both teams going into the game had a lot to gain from the result and needed to win the game.

Everton needed the win to keep up their push in getting to the Top 4 and stay further ahead of the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool. As for United it was a huge game as a win would seem them go 12 points clear at the top of the table.

This was because Roberto Mancini’s Manchester City had surprisingly lost 3-1 to newly-promoted Southampton in Saturday’s evening kick-off. This defeat many believe has blown City’s chance of catching United at the top of the table, despite the fact there’s still a long way to go.

Before the match started Sir Alex Ferguson had one big question to answer which was who to start in front of the big match on Wednesday in the Champions League against Real Madrid. For Sir Alex it was an easy choice to start with a strong team, to make sure last season’s costly mistake against Everton was not repeated again!

United started the game well and after Robin van Persie hit the post, Ryan Giggs kept his tally going as he got the opening goal and his streak of scoring in every Premier league season continued.  At the back United were working hard with captain Nemanja Vidic impressing from corners making a number of key headers and blocks early on to the frustration of David Moyes.

Tellingly just before the break RVP struck gold as his run proved too much for Everton’s high-line as Rafael put him clean through on goal. He kept his cool to turn Tim Howard with his shot going in despite the best efforts of his countryman Johnny Heitgina who slid in desperately to try and prevent the goal.

Everton to their credit came out after half-time intent on getting back in the game but United kept their game despite the odd flashes of brilliance from Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines. United could have even added a third but that would have been harsh on the visitors.

In the end United won the game and went 12 points clear sending a huge message to Man City that last year’s fall in the run-in won’t happen again. As we look into the future on Wednesday, United will have to play well to get a result in Madrid. They cannot afford to have any passengers in the game, because if they do a certain old friend might punish them.

By Harold Hershman @hhdj89