United newboy Van Persie on the bench at Everton

Manchester United newboy Robin van Persie was among the substitutes for his side's Premier League opener against Everton at Goodison Park on Monday. Van Persie only completed his £24 million move from Arsenal on Friday and United boss Sir Alex Ferguson opted to keep the Dutch forward waiting for his debut as he started on the bench. There was a United debut for Japan midfielder Shinji Kagawa following his close-season transfer from Borussia Dortmund, while Serbia defender Nemanja Vidic returned from injury for his first match since December. United midfielder Michael Carrick was forced to play out of position in central defence after Ferguson's plans were hit by injuries to Rio Ferdinand and Chris Smalling. South Africa's Steven Pienaar started in midfield for Everton having re-signed from Tottenham, while new signing Steven Naismith was among the substitutes.