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Everton 3-0 Manchester United: Instant Reaction

The Blues put in a display of fine counter attacking football at Goodison Park to record their biggest win over Louis Van Gaal's side in 23 years.

Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

With the season now effectively over, there was a worry that this game would be one of those fixtures were Everton simply don't turn up.

United, after defeat to Chelsea last weekend, were obviously keen to get back to winning ways and edge closer to a Champions League spot in the process. Everton though, had no intention of letting that happen in what was arguably their performance of the season.

The Blues were fantastic from the first minute to the last in this game, with every man on the pitch putting in a top, top performance. If there was one man who was head and shoulders above the rest though, it was James McCarthy.

Aside from his opening goal, the Irishman was relentless throughout in his midfielder role, constantly bringing United moves to a shuddering half by removing the likes of Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini from the equation. Credit must be given to Gareth Barry for doing a similar job.

Elsewhere there were also stellar performances, with Ross Barkley in particular showing his maturity as he harassed Daley Blind throughout, stopping the United rhythm but also looking a massive danger on the front foot as well.

At the back, John Stones was imperious once again and his first goal, in his 50th Everton appearance no less, was well earned. That goal though, came from tactics, and in this regard Martinez may have just won back some portions of the fan base.

The Spaniard has been criticised this season for a lack of Plan B, but here he showed his nous, adopting Chelsea's style from last week and adapting it to his side. That Stones goal showed his work as well, as Everton persistently attacked the near post, which must have been identified as a weak point in Van Gaal's system.

Of course, all of this comes with a slight tinge of regret. If Everton had played like this all season, they'd be challenging at the very top. However, the past is past and today is the most important thing. With a display like this, there is surely no unhappy Everton fan the world over.