Manchester United fell to a 1-0 defeat at home to Evertonyesterday evening and as a result now sit ninth in the Premier League table, 12 points behind leaders Arsenal. TWELVE. United fans will rightly be frustrated, so here are three players who should see their places pulled from under them ahead of the club’s clash with Newcastle at the weekend.

1) Shinji Kagawa

There has been a lot of talk over the last few months regarding the absence of the Japan international, but he’s done nothing to suggest he’s worthy of a space in the United side when he has been given the chance.

Last night was no different. Just when United were looking for a player to give them the cutting edge and penetrate Everton, Kagawa went hiding and had almost no effect in the opposition half.

He completed just 73% of his passes, most of which were attempted in his own half, and he had two failed shots at goal before he was hooked.

2) Marouane Fellaini

I want to point out that the way Fellaini kept the ball last night was impressive. However, anybody could match his 93% pass accuracy if they are casually rolling the ball to whoever is two yards away from them.

He seemed frightened to throw himself about and as a result lost out on the majority of headers, lost his only tried take on of the game and saw both of his efforts at goal easily blocked.

3) Danny Welbeck

The England international was woeful last night. He covered next to no distance on the pitch, lost both of his headed duels and generally looked like he couldn’t be bothered. The only surprise about when he was subbed off was the fact that it hadn’t come sooner.  

stats via Squawka.