Manchester United moved up to second in the table after a dominant display against Everton in Saturday's early evening kick-off.

Goals by Darren Fletcher, Michael Carrick and Antonio Valencia capped off a fine display by the champions in a decidedly one-sided affair.

Everton came into the match minus several first team stars and coach David Moyes was forced to compensate by deploying a robust 4-5-1 formation with former United striker Louis Saha isolated as the lone forward.

It was incidentally the Frenchman who had the games first real chance when he seized on full-back Leighton Baines’ cross, before firing straight at United goalkeeper Edwin Van dar Sar.

The opener came just past the half hour mark when midfielder Darren Fletcher prodded home Red Devils full-back Patrice Evra’s cross for 1-0.

Everton were somewhat taken-a-back by the goal and despite showing some signs of resilience in the second period, eventually capitulated.

United doubled their lead when Ryan Giggs picked up a stray shot by striker Wayne Rooney, before crossing for Michael Carrick to slot home in the 67th minute.

With the visitors somewhat deflated, Sir Alex Ferguson’s men grabbed the inevitable third when winger Antonio Valencia pounced on substitute Paul Scholes’ pass and neatly finished with fourteen minutes left on the clock.

Everton thought that they had been given a lifeline when Marouane Fellaini linked up well with substitute Yakubu and Saha to go clear and slot home, but his effort was ruled out for offside.

The win moves Manchester United up to second in the table on 28 points, five points behind table-toppers Chelsea who thrashed Wolves 4-0 at Stamford Bridge.

Starring XI's and Star Man:

Manchester United: Van dar Sar, Rafael (Scholes 63’), Brown, Vidic, Evra, Carrick (Gibson 83’), Fletcher, Valencia, Giggs, Rooney (Obertan 74’), Owen.

Everton: Howard, Yobo, Neil, Distin, Baines, Heitinga, Fellaini, Gosling (Yakuba 46’), Cahill (Hibbert 83’), Rodwell, Saha (Jo 83’).