New Delhi: Manchester United welcomed Everton to Old Trafford today with hopes of securing a three point victory that would send their visitors packing, and keep themselves ahead of the challengers at the top.
Darren Fletcher was the only alteration to the team that beat West Brom midweek, replacing Ryan Giggs for the Red Devils.
Tim Cahill and Marouane Fellaini were both deemed fit enough to feature for the Toffees, so there would be no changes to the first XI that drew with Arsenal.
The home side were presented with the first opportunity to score, Michael Carrick winning a free kick on the edge of the box after being fouled by Fellaini. Ronaldo teed up the ball but his strike was sent straight into the wall. Everton cleared up and broke through Mikel Arteta, but Carrick was on point to snuff out the danger.
Tim Howard was tested several times in the first half and produced some excellent fingertip saves, keeping out attempts from Carlos Tevez and Ji-Sung Park. The sturdy Korean persisted in making a real nuisance of himself down the flanks as the game progressed.
The visitors were finding it difficult to provide their forwards with any killer balls, Edwin van der Sar making it clear that the visitors would not be winning the arial battles in his territory.
As the half hour mark approached, Everton's woodwork was rattled by the efforts of Ronaldo. The Portuguese winger drove the ball in low from just outside the area only to find the back post after a small deflection from the visiting defence.
The match started to progress into a game of end to end football as half time approached, both defences being tested by their opponents. But it was one Cristiano Ronaldo who broke the deadlock just before the half time whistle.
Carrick wandered into Everton's box only to be caught by Arteta. The midfielder tried to keep his balance but stumbled to the ground, and the home side were promptly awarded a penalty. Who other than the Ballon d'Or winner would step up to bury the ball in the back of the net and put United 1-0 up.
The Toffees started the second half well, winning a free kick on the edge of the box courtesy of Nemanja Vidic's foul on Steven Pienaar. Arteta stepped up but his effort went well wide, a poor attempt from the Spaniard.
Attempts from both teams ensured the drama continued into the second half, both Tevez and Tim Cahill sending shots just over their opponent's bar. Steven Pienaar rounded Gary Neville and tested van der Sar as he broke into space, but it was not to be, as the ball was sent straight into the clutches of the Dutchman.
Wes Brown replaced Gary Neville midway through the second half, and made a vital interception with his first touch as Leon Osman looked to play in Fellaini on the edge of the box.
David Moyes replaced Fellaini with Victor Anichebe as the visitors struggled to find an equaliser. The Toffees were enjoying a good deal of possession, and would look to the young Nigerian to add the killer edge that they were lacking to get back on even terms with United.
Ryan Giggs was introduced to the fray fifteen minutes from time, replacing Darren Fletcher and making an almost immediate effect. Giggs used his first touch to tee up Park, but Tony Hibbert stepped up to quell the danger.
As the game drew to a close, Everton raged on to find a reward for their hard work. An attempt from Arteta looked a cert for the back of the net as United struggled to clear a cross, but a well positioned Carrick belted the ball to safety.
The game would end at Old Trafford with a scoreline that perhaps didn't equally reflect the performances. David Moyes will be disappointed at the prospect of heading back to Merseyside emptyhanded, while Sir Alex Ferguson will be delighted with the home win that secures his top spot for the time being.
Manchester United 1 - 0 Everton.
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