United pummel Everton 4-0

Romelu Lukaku showed little room for sentiment yesterday, scoring one and creating another as Manchester United ran out ultimately comfortable 4-0 winners over his former club Everton to ruin Wayne Rooney's Old Trafford return.

Right-back Antonio Valencia gave United an early lead with a spectacular half-volley before late goals from midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan -- set up by Lukaku -- and an Anthony Martial penalty sealed the win.

They are now only behind Manchester City in the table by virtue of C coming before U in the alphabet as they have identical records.

The Red Devils, scoring three goals in the final seven minutes, must have flattered themselves a little.

Rooney, United's all-time leading goalscorer, was afforded a generous reception by the United fans and carried Everton's main goal threat before he left to a standing ovation from home supporters.

United asserted their authority in the fourth minute as Valencia showed superb technique to score a magnificent opening goal. Nemanja Matic swept a cross field pass to Valencia on the corner of the penalty area who struck a sweet half-volley which arrowed high into the net.

Rooney flickered into life midway through the first half when he sent Cuco Martina scampering down the right flank and then burst forward in search of the return ball. Martina's low cross picked out Rooney on the edge of the penalty area but the former England captain could only strike a low effort wide of the post.

Rooney's tenacity moments after half-time saw him skip into the penalty area at the Stretford End and on to a pass from Tom Davies but David De Gea kept out the striker's low effort with his legs.

United finished the contest strongly and clinically, though, as three goals after Rooney's 82nd minute substitution saw Everton capitulate and conceded three goals.