Felled by Fellaini: Everton 1 Man United 0

Everton's Marouane Fellaini celebrates after heading the winning goal for his team

Image retrieved from bettingzone.co.uk

It was a disappointing night for Manchester United fans like me when the Red Devils traveled to Goodison Park for their first league fixture against Everton. United were expected to win the game following the signing of Kagawa and Robin van Persie, but it wasn't meant to be.

Everton were quick to show the away side that they were out there to prove every critic wrong, that they were not slow starters. The Toffees were quickly onto the attack, with a lot of goal attempts early on, including one that hit the woodwork, an attempt from Leighton Baines. Osman, Fellaini and Jelavic from Everton were all in the attack, and it was visible that United's defense struggled.

The Reds rallied back, with Rooney sending two shots on target, but both were saved by keeper Howard. But this comeback was short-lived. Five minutes before half-time, Osman fired a rocket shot, forcing the De Gea to make a crucial save.

Second-half was pretty much the same story. Despite the resiliency of the Manchester United back-line, they succumbed to Marouane Fellaini, whose presence pretty much battered the Reds' defense. Time and again, he threatened to goal, which finally came just before the passing of the hour. Fellaini out-jumped Carrick, heading the winning goal.

Fellaini out-jumps Carrick and heads the winning goal for his side

Image retrieved from The Sun

While the Reds tried to find the equalizer, playing Robin van Persie later on in the game, the Toffees retained the lead, and they won their first league fixture, 1-0.

It was definitely a miserable first game for my favorite team, who was obviously lacking in so many respects during the match. As an acquaintance from a fan-based forum once said, "square peg, round holes". Putting Carrick on center-back, and assigning him to mark the taller Fellaini was simply a mistake, despite how glorious Carrick's defensive ability is on paper. Vidic should've been the one marking him, with Carrick replaced by an actual center-back, like Evans.

Nani played drearily throughout the game, missing crucial passes. He did not look 100% committed in the game, which was disappointing. Meanwhile, Valencia was wasted at right-back. His prowess is better suited in right midfield, and his connection with Rafael has been established in the past.

Also, marquee signing Robin van Persie wasn't in the game long enough to make an impression.

Robin van Persie was brought in as a sub for Welbeck in the 78th minute

Image retrieved from theage.com.au

Despite this loss, there were the players who still stood out and played well. Cleverley made those important passes, more so playmaker Shinji Kagawa, who was moving from his original position in left wing to just behind the striker, proving a lot of wonderful passes. His presence would certainly be an ace in the United line-up.

Then again, a loss is a loss, and the United fans like me can only shake our head in dismay, forget about this mishap and look forward to the next game, where we hopefully kick things off to a better light.