Everton condemn United to losing start

Everton FC handed Premier League runners-up Manchester United FC a losing start to their 2012/13 campaign as Marouane Fellaini scored the only goal at Goodison Park.

After conceding the title on the final day of last term, when Manchester City FC won with virtually the last kick of the season, United started with a disappointing result against a superb Everton side.

The hosts began impressively, pinning United back and creating some promising openings in front of David de Gea. The visiting goalkeeper was called into action on numerous occasions in the first half, clawing away a Leighton Baines free-kick and reacting well to beat out a Leon Osman effort.

At the other end, Wayne Rooney shot straight at Tim Howard, but, with Fellaini offering a superb focal point to their play, Everton looked more dangerous.

Osman hit the bar at the beginning of the second half, yet it was not long before David Moyes's team were ahead, Fellaini, who caused United problems with his aerial prowess all night, heading in a 57th-minute corner. Sir Alex Ferguson responded by bringing on Robin van Persie, but he could not turn the tide and Everton held on to claim the three points.