Everton vs. Manchester United: Score, Reaction from 2015 Premier League Match

Manchester United beat hosts Everton 3-0 at Goodison Park to stay just two points behind table-topping neighbours Manchester City, in third place in the Premier League. Goals from Morgan Schneiderlin, Ander Herrera and Wayne Rooney ensured United's emphatic win.

Herrera was magnificent for the Red Devils, adding to Schneiderlin's early goal to put United two in front before the break. Rooney's second-half strike against his former club meant he ended a significant drought away from home in England's top flight.

The build-up to the game was dominated by the news legendary Everton manager Howard Kendall died Saturday morning, according to a statement on the club's official Twitter feed:

Kendall, who won two league titles and a European Cup Winners' Cup with the Toffees during the 80s, was honoured with a minute's applause in his memory from both sets of supporters at Goodison Park before kick-off:

For the team news, United boss Louis van Gaal welcomed Phil Jones back into the heart of defence, alongside fellow England international Chris Smalling.

Meanwhile, Herrera got a rare start in the middle. Up front, misfiring forward Rooney was also available.

Manchester Evening News reporter Stuart Mathieson provided United's full XI:

Everton's lineup included midfield maestro Ross Barkley, as well as former Tottenham Hotspur winger Aaron Lennon:

There was an intriguing tactical switch from Van Gaal evident in United's formation. Manchester Evening News writer Rob Dawson detailed how the Dutchman had altered things in attack:

Rooney has been struggling for form in England's top flight. But finally playing him in his best position was the right move from Van Gaal. While Martial has made a fas start as a No. 9, his pace and power can be equally effective from the flanks.

But neither attacker made the decisive contribution for United early on. Schneiderlin's surprise contribution came from a short corner.

There was a scramble in the box, during which Smalling teed up the French holding-midfield player to coolly side-foot the ball beyond Toffees goalkeeper, and ex-United stopper, Tim Howard.

Schneiderlin's strike was a rare United success at the home of the Toffees, according to WhoScored.com:

Everton felt aggrieved that an apparent foul wasn't given during the build-up, according to the Liverpool Echo's Phil Kirkbride:

The corner had originally been won after Howard tipped over a shot from the very influential Herrera. His controlled passing and clever movement were features of United's best play in the first half.

A clever late run from the Basque playmaker put him in position to nod in Marcos Rojo's whipped cross. Referee John Moss played an excellent advantage after Seamus Coleman took out Martial in the build-up. The full-back was yellow-carded after the goal.

Herrera's strike maintained his prolific run this calendar year, as noted by Squawka:

Control and professionalism were the watchwords for United, particularly in the first half.

The Red Devils denied space through the middle to nullify the intricate, combination passing Everton manager Roberto Martinez loves. Instead, his team were reduced to tossing aimless crosses in from out wide, deliveries the Reds coped with comfortably, mostly thanks to Smalling's command of the air.

A deflected shot from teenage full-back Brendan Galloway and a rasping effort from Barkley shortly before the break were rare threatening moments from Everton.

Rory Smith of the Times was unimpressed with the home side's lack of quality and fight:

There was more verve from the hosts after the break. The introduction of striker Arouna Kone helped. His direct pace finally unnerved United at the back, and his blocked shot nearly helped fashion a great chance for Barkley—but the ball didn't drop soon enough.

Then it was up to United 'keeper David De Gea to produce another moment of typical brilliance. Lennon teed up Romelu Lukaku and the striker thundered a shot at goal. But De Gea rebuffed the effort with his feet.

Yet despite the brief pressure, it was United who soon struck again. Rooney slid the ball beyond Howard after latching onto a cute pass from Herrera.

Squawka detailed how long the England man had been waiting to net on his travels in domestic action:

Rooney nearly repeated the trick but was denied by Howard's bravery. United were now very quick and fluid on the counter.

Their sharpness contrasted with Everton's tepid play. Only Barkley remained lively to try and force a consolation during the closing stages, which were serene for the visitors.

Post-Match Reaction

Rooney took pride in a rare scoring moment at his old stomping ground, according to the Premier League's official Twitter feed:

Fellow goalscorer Herrera felt United proved a point at Goodison Park, showing they are a match for any opposition in the league this season, per the team's official Twitter account:

Van Gaal naturally shared his players' delight. He lauded United's response, a clear reference to the 3-0 defeat suffered at Arsenal last time out:

By contrast, Martinez felt his side responded in the wrong way to early adversity:

After being destroyed by Arsenal in their last league outing, the Red Devils have reaffirmed their title credentials with this impressive display.

Having Rooney back among the goals will be a massive boost for Van Gaal's men, particularly with the Manchester derby up next.

As for Everton, the Toffees continue to disappoint. Martinez has a talented squad and an admirable attacking philosophy. But his team is often too open and easy to play against at Goodison Park. The onus is now on the Spaniard to fix Everton's woes at the back.