United 1 Everton 0

Time was when a close 1-0 win drawn a from a sketchy performance like this in April would have been hailed as a vital three points towards another league title.

Times have of course changed.  This kind of performance has, sadly, become typical fare at Old Trafford rather than a permissible lapse during squeaky bum time.  However, after a deeply unpromising opening period, the Reds upped their game in the second half and were just about good value for their win over a frankly uninspiring Everton outfit.

The first half was one of those forgettable affairs that have occurred so regularly this season that few Old Trafford regulars are even surprised any more.  United edged possession but carved out few chances, the best falling to Martial who sent his volley wide of the Everton goal.  Elsewhere, misplaced passes and a sadly familar tendency for Carrick and Schneiderlin to attempt to occupy the same space on the field led to a stilted and unconvincing effort from United.

The Reds picked up in the second half, however, and looked more settled when Martial gave them the lead seven minutes after half-time.  By now Rojo had been withdrawn after a dismal first half performance and his replacement, Fosu-Mensah was involved in the move down the right that led to his cross finding Martial for a tap-in at the far post.

From there it was a solid display from the Reds.  Smalling and Blind deal admirably with the threat of Lukaku and, while quality was in short supply elsewhere in the park, a similarly impressive spirit to that shown away at city before the international break prevailed to see the Reds to victory.