United woes continue with draw v Everton

FT Manchester United 1 Everton 1

A bad week for Manchester United got even worse as they were held to a Premiership draw by lowly Everton.

Dumped out of Europe by Benfica on Wednesday, Alex Ferguson’s men now find themselves 12 points adrift of league leaders Chelsea and with virtually no chance of clawing back the deficit.

United showed admirable spirit to reply when James McFadden gave the Toffeemen an early lead but once Ryan Giggs equalised, they could not breach Everton’s defences again.

Smith was lucky to escape a red card when he cut Neville down in midfield, then disaster almost struck for the hosts when Silvestre’s attempt to find Van der Sar with a cushioned header only saw him push the ball beyond his goalkeeper.

Fortunately for the hosts, Van der Sar was able to recover his ground.

Given Smith was now walking a disciplinary tightrope, Fletcher’s introduction for the England man was no surprise.

Giuseppe Rossi replaced Richardson 10 minutes from time as United went for broke, while Moyes responded by throwing on Marcus Bent for McFadden.

Saha nodded Neville’s cross over, then Rossi did the same when Ronaldo swung the ball in. Giggs forced a fine stoppage time save from Wright with a 20-yard free-kick but it was the last chance for United, who were booed from the field.