ERIKSSON SUFFERS EARLY EXIT

Last updated : 08 October 2002 By editor

Telegraph:

‘All the late drama was missed by Sven-Goran Eriksson, who left 10 minutes from time but will be pleased to learn of Scholes' excellence in particular. Having resisted the temptation to send Tord Grip instead, Eriksson had taken his place in the directors' box to keep a paternal eye on his England players.

David Beckham was immediately involved, seizing on a momentary loss of concentration by Lee Carsley to race in from the left before shooting wide.

United kept looking to Beckham to unlock an Everton defence impressively marshalled by David Weir. Increasingly frustrated by the visitors' obduracy, Sir Alex Ferguson even sent on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer just after the hour - for the disappointing Juan Sebastian Veron - to enliven his attack. If Ferguson was fidgeting nervously, at least there was plenty for Eriksson to enjoy. Like Beckham, Paul Scholes was also quick to impose himself, busily pulling the strings behind Ruud Van Nistelrooy.

Scholes is best when running from deeper but United, remarkably for such a wealthy club, lack a shadow striker. Scholes unselfishly filled in until Veron's departure allowed him to drop back.

One sublime piece of skill reflected the class contained in that small, ginger-topped frame; taming a speeding ball with head, then chest, Scholes brought Old Trafford to its feet in admiration at such technical expertise. After 22 minutes, Scholes almost scored, meeting Ryan Giggs' clipped cross but directing his header just wide.

As well as Nicky Butt's typically busy contribution, Eriksson will have been delighted by the assured way that Gary Neville has returned to right-back, linking up again effortlessly with Beckham. The excellent Neville, alert defensively, kept pushing forward, kept offering United an outlet down the right.