It is in his programme notes that Sir Alex Ferguson likes to communicate directly with supporters, free to praise and condemn without the danger of having his words twisted by what he perceives to be a hostile media.

Here, on Saturday, we had the first indication that he has not been as satisfied with Manchester United's performances as he had previously made out. He spoke of being "as frustrated as, doubtless, our supporters" and complained at length about the way his team were encouraging opponents because of a habit that has got under his skin for longer than he would care to remember, namely fluffing their lines in front of goal.

The point has been made behind closed doors. "We are working on the problem," Ferguson wrote. It is the issue known as replacing Cristiano Ronaldo's goals, spreading the load and, to put it bluntly, getting the job done in the opposition penalty area. As United discovered at Chelsea a couple of weeks ago, it is no use out-passing opponents without out-scoring them.

They have won 27 and lost only one of the past 31 league games at Old Trafford, but Ferguson's complaint is that United's domination at home has been undermined by a suspicion that "the players feel they make so many opportunities they can afford to wait … like missing a bus but not to worry because there will be another along in a minute."

Patrice Evra was superb against Everton, and was able to get forward to supprot his team, unlike his opposite number Leighton Baines

Saturday was the first time this season a team have come to Old Trafford and been beaten by three goals, and a humdrum victory it was once Darren Fletcher had scored with a volley that was a demonstration of technique, precision and, above all, one man's improvement from a player the fans disliked the most to a potential contender – and we no longer need to whisper this – for player of the year. The only surprise about Fletcher these days is that people are still surprised – even Ferguson admitted he "did not expect that goal" – and United supporters of a certain generation must have been reminded of the way Bryan Robson used to volley the ball, and one scorching effort in particular against Notts County on the opening day of the 1991-92 season.

Everton had a brief flurry at the start of the second half and were not the worst team to visit Old Trafford this season, but this was not a day when Ferguson had cause to remonstrate with his players about the inability to reflect their superiority in goals. Ryan Giggs, with the pass of the match, picked out Michael Carrick to make it 2-0 with an elegant left-foot finish, and the substitute Paul Scholes then set up Antonio Valencia to score with what is becoming his forte: the deflected shot. Valencia has four goals since replacing Ronaldo, which might not compare well with his predecessor, but it equals his tally for all of last season with Wigan Athletic.

His touchline ban not due to start for another week, Ferguson was on his best behaviour in the dugout. There was nothing, after all, to concern him – apart from perhaps Michael Owen not having any sureness of touch to accompany his movement in and around the area. The Owen of old might have made it an even more chastening experience for David Moyes, who did at least ensure the fourth official, Stuart Attwell, had one Glaswegian voice barking in his ear.

The Everton manager was unhappy with some of Steve Bennett's decisions although, in fairness, he did not try to blame the referee as he dissected a run of one win in nine games. "I think the word that's been used with Everton players in the past is 'over-performing'. I don't use the word. I've always said they've performed at a good level and I'll protect the players all day long, but they have to stand up and be counted as well. And at the moment some of them are under-performing."

He did not identify who he meant. Marouane Fellaini, whose fifth booking of the season meant he misses Wednesday's game at Hull? Tim Cahill? All we can say for certain is that he will expect a significant improvement against Liverpool on Sunday and a derby between two clubs who can barely scrape up a win right now.

It was easy, though, to see why United are being prominently linked with Jack Rodwell, who played with a maturity beyond his 18 years. The teenager is two-footed, tall, plays with his head up and always wants the ball. He looks like a United player in the making.