Manchester United wanted to start fast after losing the Barclays Premier League title in the final minutes of the season, but Everton played spoiler in the Monday night opener with a 1-0 win at Goodison Park.
It was just the fourth win ever for Everton against Manchester United in Premier League play in their home stadium.
Marouane Fellaini headed in a corner in the 57th minute to snap Everton’s four-year skid in opening day matches.
United’s Tom Cleverley looked like he would tie the score a few minutes later, but Everton’s Phil Jagielka cleared the ball off the goal line to preserve the lead.
United’s major acquisition, Robin van Persie, came on in the 68th minute for Danny Welbeck, and nearly was the hero when he threaded a pass to a cutting Shinji Kagawa in front of the goal, but keeper Tim Howard came off his line to get a piece of the ball and deflect it over the goal.
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Marouane Fellaini of Everton gestures during the Barclays Premier League match between Everton and Manchester United at Goodison Park on August 20, 2012 in Liverpool, England.
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Tom Cleverley of Manchester United competes with Steven Pienaar of Everton during the Barclays Premier League match between Everton and Manchester United at Goodison Park on August 20, 2012 in Liverpool, England.
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Manchester United's Japanese midfielder Shinji Kagawa controls the ball during the English Premiership football match between Everton and Manchester United at Goodison Park in Liverpool on August 20, 2012.
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Marouane Fellaini of Everton hits the post during the Barclays Premier League match between Everton and Manchester United at Goodison Park on August 20, 2012 in Liverpool, England.
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Leon Osman of Everton shoots at goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Everton and Manchester United at Goodison Park on August 20, 2012 in Liverpool, England.
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David de Gea of Manchester United punches clear under pressure from Phil Jagielka of Everton during the Barclays Premier League match between Everton and Manchester United at Goodison Park on August 20, 2012 in Liverpool, England.
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Marouane Fellaini of Everton competes with Antonio Valencia of Manchester United during the Barclays Premier League match between Everton and Manchester United at Goodison Park on August 20, 2012 in Liverpool, England.
Photo: AFP/Getty
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Wayne Rooney of Manchester United reacts during the Barclays Premier League match between Everton and Manchester United at Goodison Park on August 20, 2012 in Liverpool, England.
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Manchester United's Portuguese midfielder Nani (R) vies for the ball with Everton's Belgian midfielder Marouane Fellaini during their English Premiership football match at Goodison Park in Liverpool on August 20, 2012.
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Nemanja Vidic (R) and Paul Scholes of Manchester United have words after conceding the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Everton and Manchester United at Goodison Park on August 20, 2012 in Liverpool, England.
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Robin van Persie of Manchester United in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Everton and Manchester United at Goodison Park on August 20, 2012 in Liverpool, England.
Photo: AFP/Getty
