United stay on top

Manchester United 3 Everton 0

Manchester United retained their three-point lead at the Premiership summit but victory over Everton did not come without a struggle at Old Trafford.

Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring before half-time, then Patrice Evra netted his first for the Red Devils and John O’Shea wrapped up victory in the second.

But a team showing five changes to the one that drew with title rivals Chelsea on Sunday did little to dispel the theory their squad depth is not strong enough to hold off the Blues until next spring.