Manchester United came through tough Everton test with flying colours, says midfielder Ander Herrera

  • Ander Herrera believes Manchester United answered Everton test perfectly
  • Jose Mourinho's side emphatically beat Everton 4-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday
  • Herrera also hailed David de Gea after his performance as the best in the world
  • Toffees boss Ronald Koeman remains positive despite continuing dire form

Ander Herrera felt Manchester United came through a stern test to move joint top of the Premier League with an comprehensive 4-0 victory over a dwindling Everton side.

United moved level with rivals Manchester City at the summit - the two teams' records being identical after five games - by producing a late flurry to push the Toffees aside at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Jose Mourinho's men took an early lead through a stunning strike from Antonio Valencia but laboured for large spells before finally striking three more times in the closing seven minutes.

Manchester United answered tough Toffees test emphatically, said Ander Herrera

Manchester United answered tough Toffees test emphatically, said Ander Herrera

'It was really tough, Everton are a great team,' said midfielder Herrera, whose introduction as a 77th-minute substitute gave United fresh impetus for those crucial final stages.


'We should have been winning by at least two goals but you know when you play against Everton you are going to suffer. That is what happened.

'In the second half they had a couple of chances but the best keeper in the world (David de Gea) was there for us. After that we killed the game in the last minutes.'

Herrera came off the bench for Jose Mourinho's side in their 4-0 drubbing of Everton 

Herrera came off the bench for Jose Mourinho's side in their 4-0 drubbing of Everton 

The United midfielder also labelled fellow Spaniard David de Gea the best keeper in the world

The United midfielder also labelled fellow Spaniard David de Gea the best keeper in the world

Much was made of the return of Wayne Rooney, United's record goalscorer, to Old Trafford for the first time since his summer move back to Everton.

The former England captain, the day before appearing in court on a drink driving charge, impressed but was unable to drag the Toffees back into the game.

Instead it was Romelu Lukaku, who missed a glaring chance to make it 2-0 in the first half, who stole the show against a former club. Lukaku set up Henrikh Mkhitaryan for United's second after 83 minutes and then scored himself just minutes after being jeered from the travelling support. 

Former Everton striker Romelu Lukaku stole the show with a goal and an assist on Sunday

Former Everton striker Romelu Lukaku stole the show with a goal and an assist on Sunday

The Belgian forward taunted the away support, scoring minutes after being jeered and booed

The Belgian forward taunted the away support, scoring minutes after being jeered and booed

Wayne Rooney put in a solid display on his return to Old Trafford but couldn't prevent the loss

Wayne Rooney put in a solid display on his return to Old Trafford but couldn't prevent the loss

Anthony Martial wrapped up the win with a last-minute penalty.

It has been an impressive start to the season by United but Herrera is not getting carried away.

The Spanish midfielder told MUTV: 'We are happy, we are top of the table - fighting with Man City at the moment but we know Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham, even Everton, they are going to be there.'

Despite Everton's spirited performance, the result continued their disappointing sequence.

Despite their poor form Ronald Koeman remains optimistic that his side will turn things around

Despite their poor form Ronald Koeman remains optimistic that his side will turn things around

Ronald Koeman's side have already had to play tough fixtures against City, United, Chelsea and Tottenham, but they have slipped into the bottom three.

Koeman said: 'This is football. If you don't like that pressure, please stop - that counts for the players and the manager.

'But we need points, we need a win because a win is the best medicine to grow your confidence.

'If we get the positives from here and show for the next game, I believe we will grow and we will come (good). I am really realistic about what we can achieve for this season.'