United played with a functional conservatism that verged on the boring.

Not only did the erstwhile champions fail to show their usual appetite for attack, or any other form of devilment, their manager was unapologetic about it.

erst·while (ûrsthwl, -wl)
adv.
In the past; at a former time; formerly.
adj.
Former: our erstwhile companions.



Apart from Rooney's repositioning, the most conspicuous casualties of the Old Trafford drubbing were Anderson, dropped altogether.


That suggests a rising exuberance, but this was a dour fixture, regardless of the fact Everton were beaten.

dour adj \ˈdu̇r, ˈdau̇(-ə)r\

1
: stern, harsh
2
: obstinate, unyielding