Antonio Valencia’s brilliant opener set Manchester United on their way to a routine win over Everton on Wayne Rooney’s return to Old Trafford.
Late goals from Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Romelu Lukaku and an Anthony Martial penalty sealed the points. Rooney impressed, but he was guilty of missing several chances including a big one to level after the break.
Here Sportsmail‘s Chris Wheeler rates the performances in red and blue at Old Trafford.
Manchester United players celebrate taking an early lead against Everton at Old Trafford
MANCHESTER UNITED (4-2-3-1)
DAVID DE GEA – 7
Produced a big save when it mattered to deny Rooney a goal on his return early in the second half.
ANTONIO VALENCIA – 7
Cracking strike from United’s captain upstaged their old skipper. Valencia won’t hit a better shot.
Antonio Valencia got United off to a flying start with his stunning strike early in the contest
ERIC BAILLY – 6.5
Made some excellent challenges but one missed tackle on Rooney almost cost United a goal.
PHIL JONES – 7
Did an excellent marking job on Rooney, giving his old team-mate very little opportunity to cause trouble.
ASHLEY YOUNG – 6.5
Didn’t put a foot wrong in defence and got forward well to support United’s attack.
MAROUANE FELLAINI – 6.5
Played in place of the injured Paul Pogba and produced a disciplined performance against his old club.
NEMANJA MATIC – 8
Another outstanding display from the Serb who has quickly become the heartbeat of this United team.
Nemanja Matic produced a dominant performance in the engine room for the home side
HENRIKH MKHITARYAN – 7
Nerveless finish for United’s second goal and troubled Everton with his strong running.
JUAN MATA – 6.5
Some excellent link-up play from the little Spaniard who also hit the post with a clever free-kick.
MARCUS RASHFORD – 6
Plenty of enterprise from the youngster but it just didn’t come off for him on this occasion.
ROMELU LUKAKU – 7.5
Recovered from an awful miss in the first half to set up second goal and score the third.
Romelu Lukaku recovered from an bad miss to set up second goal and score the third
Subs: Martial (for Mkhitaryan 88), Smalling, Lingard (for Rashford 61), Carrick, Romero, Herrera (for Mata 77), Darmian
Scorers: Valencia 4, Mkhitaryan 83, Lukaku 89, Martial pen 90+2
Booked: Bailly
MANAGER: Jose Mourinho – 7
EVERTON (3-4-2-1)
JORDAN PICKFORD – 5.5
Came off his line on several occasions to rescue Everton. Had little chance with either goal.
MICHAEL KEANE – 5
Uncertain display summed up by misplaced pass that almost gifted United a goal.
Former United man Michael Keane looked uncertain at the heart of the Everton defence
ASHLEY WILLIAMS – 5.5
Must accept his share of the blame as this Everton side continue to leak goals.
PHIL JAGIELKA – 6.5
Produced some well-timed challenges to stop Lukaku for 89 minutes, including a brilliant sliding tackle.
CUCO MARTINA – 6
His surging runs down the right flank gave Ronald Koeman’s side a rare attacking threat.
IDRISSA GUEYE – 5
Struggled to stem the flow of United’s attacks as they dominated the midfield battle.
Idrissa Gueye lost the battle for midfield against the Red Devils physical central unit
MORGAN SCHNEIDERLIN – 6
Will feel unlucky to give away a late penalty for handball on his return to United.
LEIGHTON BAINES – 5.5
Had little opportunity to get forward and have an impact on the game at all.
TOM DAVIES – 5
Tried his best to liven up a lame Everton attack, but the youngster was the first player to be replaced.
GYLFI SIGURDSSON – 5
Everton’s £45m man has been a handful for United in the past but was very quiet here.
Gylfi Sigurdsson failed to offer the same threat he has posed for United in the past
WAYNE ROONEY – 6.5
Worked tirelessly but had two big chances to score on his return and killer instinct deserted him
Subs: Ramirez (for Davies 66), Mirallas (for Rooney 82), Klassen, Besic, Stekelenburg, Calvert-Lewin (for Gueye 76), Holgate
Booked: Williams
MANAGER: Ronald Koeman – 5
Referee: Andre Marriner – 7
Star man: Nemanja Matic