Some time soon, the critics will give Wayne Rooney some credit. In a record breaking season for the Manchester United skipper, on Saturday, Roo moved further up the list of the Premiership's all time top goal scorers. He now stands joint second with Andy Cole, with 157 goals apiece.
The Goodison club dominated for the fist minute, but from the second minute onwards it was a sea of red on a blue day for The Toffees.
On 16th October, Everton legend Howard Kendall sadly passed away. He was described in a pre-match announcement as being the club's greatest ever manager.
From an Everton perspective, it's hard to envisage how they could have produced a worse send off.
Early domination
After seventeen minutes in which United dominated possession but created little, Juan Mata's shot from the edge of the box had Tim Howard flying backwards to tip over. From the resulting corner, the ball found Morgan Schneiderlin, who coolly slotted home from a narrow angle.
Everton had won the previous three Everton v. Man United clashes without conceding a single goal. This was their best run of form since Howard Kendall's era in the mid 1980s. They were never in the match from the first goal onwards.
In the 22nd minute, some good work by Antony Martial on the left wing, led to a cross, which was headed down and into the net by Ander Herrera.
This was one of Herrera's best performances for the club.
Everton fight back
It wasn't until the 29th minute that Everton, taking advantage of Phil Jones' temporary absence, had their first serious attempt on goal. Aaron Lennon's cross found Lukaku, who clattered into keeper David De Gea.
Everton then enjoyed a sustained period of possession.
In the 36th minute came Everton's most threatening moment of the half. Brendan Galloway's dangerous low cross was intercepted at the near post by Chris Smalling.
After United manager Louis Van Gaal brought on Jesse Lingard for Juan Mata at half time, Everton enjoyed their most productive period of the match. In the 54th minute, Lukaku looked a certainty to halve the deficit.
His close range shot was beaten away by the legs of David De Gea.
Seven minutes later, The Blues' purple patch came to an end. Ander Herrera put in Wayne Rooney, who shot past Tim Howard at the near post.
A minute later, Everton's afternoon was summed up. Lukaku slammed the ball into the turf after conceding a free kick. He was promptly booked for dissent.
For the remainder of the match, apart from a 82nd minute Ross Barkley free kick which clipped the top of the net, United were in cruise control. They were good value for their 3-0 win.
Following their defeat to Arsenal two weeks ago, this was a welcome return to winning ways for United. This was their best performance of the season to date.
Far sterner tests are to come, with a tricky Champions League tie at CSKA Moscow up next on Wednesday. Then they face local rivals Manchester City.
Are United genuine title contenders? According to Van Gaal, judgement should be reserved until next week's game against City. After this performance, and with city's own splendid form, next Sunday's match has all the makings of a classic.
