There was nothing any goalkeeper could have done about Alejandro Garnacho's sensational bicycle kick for the opener, but Everton manager Sean Dyche was left questioning United's second.

John Brooks initially booked Anthony Martial for a dive, but the video assistant referee (VAR) advised him to watch Ashley Young's challenge on the pitchside monitor and after doing that, the referee decided Everton's right-back had tripped the forward.

Marcus Rashford scored from the penalty spot, while Frenchman Martial added the third for a comprehensive-looking scoreline that sends Erik ten Hag's side to within six points of top spot.

"It's bizarre, we all know what's going to happen," Dyche told Sky Sports.

"The screen thing is a farce, everyone is talking about speeding up the game but when they come to the screen we all know what the is outcome is going to be. Good or bad decisions, call it and get on with it.

"Why do they stand there staring? I haven't seen a referee overturn one yet. He stands there listening then gives exactly what he has been told.

"I feel for fans. VAR this year has been all over the place. It's the simplest thing but it seems to be mayhem all the time."

Asked if he knows what a clear and obvious error is, Dyche replied: "I will be trying to speak to them [referees' body]. What is it? We were told the directive was to give the referee more power.

"The referee made a very strong decision and the power is taken away. I will ring them and ask, 'can you explain to me again what is a clean and obvious error?'

"For me, the idea of VAR is they look for contact, that is not what it should be."

Character of team is 'vital'

Everton fans held up anti-Premier League protests before and during the game

Thousands of Everton fans took part in anti-Premier League protests in anger at their side being given the biggest sporting sanction in the organisation's history.

They marched to the ground in numbers and held up cards with the Premier League logo and the word 'corrupt' underneath it.

There were loud jeers during the pre-match handshake and the mood continued during the game, with referee Brooks being booed for any contentious decisions.

Everton were looking relatively comfortable in the table before being docked double-digit points that means they once more will have to fight to avoid relegation.

They chased the game after Garnacho's goal but were left to rue numerous missed opportunities that fell their way before half-time.

Dyche told BBC MOTD: "It has been a tough 10 days to take the news, but we brush ourselves down. Most people think how unjust it is including our fans, myself and the football club. We have to perform and win games.

"The game didn't really settle. It is a 'worldie' and fair play to Garnacho, but I will doubt there will be one like that next week. I thought we were very strong first half and thought we should have gone in level at half-time."

Asked about the team's character, Dyche added: "It is a vital part of it. But it is about the glue that holds the group together - we have got to, with what has gone off."

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes told MOTD: "For the [Everton] players it is not fair and it is from long ago and they are suffering from something they have nothing to do with."

Former United skipper Roy Keane added on Sky Sports: "Everton have made a lot of mistakes. There is a lot of anger at the ground today but Dyche has to push it to one side, which I think he will do, and focus on winning football matches.

"The group of players he has look a good group and Dyche will get back to the training pitch. They have to take their punishment and if they keep performing like they did today they will be fine.

"It can be done and and I think Dyche is the man to do it."