Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has said that his team failed to properly utilise new signing Robin van Persie during their opening-day defeat to Everton.

The 29-year-old made his debut as a second-half substitute at Goodison Park, but he was unable to help the Red Devils respond to Marouane Fellaini's 57th-minute header.

"We played around him too much, we didn't show enough penetration," said Ferguson.

"With Robin in your team you know you want to use his ability against centre-backs in situations he is very good at, but we didn't use him enough."

Next up for United is a home match against Fulham on Saturday.