Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial scored either side of halftime as Manchester United beat Everton 2-1 to secure a much-needed victory for under-pressure manager Jose Mourinho on Sunday.
Talk of crisis and the need for a managerial change may have dissipated at Old Trafford but the importance of a win remained for United, which was outclassed midweek by Juventus in the Champions League and frustrated in a 2-2 draw at Chelsea last weekend.
Everton was aggrieved to go in behind at the break, with Pogba scoring from a rebound after his penalty was saved by Jordan Pickford. The spot kick was awarded when Idrissa Gana Gueye was adjudged to have brought down Martial in the box, although the midfielder appeared to get the ball.
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho reacts, next to Everton manager Marco Silva, right, during the last minutes of the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Everton FC at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, Sunday Oct. 28, 2018. (AP PhotoDave Thompson)
Pogba turned provider in the 49th minute as the World Cup winner fed Martial, who curled home a superb first-time effort from the corner of the penalty area. It was his fourth goal in as many games.
Gylfi Sigurdsson's penalty, after Richarlison was tripped by Chris Smalling, brought Everton back into the game in the 77th and ensured a nervy conclusion in a match watched by some special guests.
The 12 boys who were trapped with their soccer coach in a flooded cave in northern Thailand for almost three weeks were guests at Old Trafford for the match, and wore red-and-white United scarves for the occasion.
Everton's Richarlison reacts at the end of the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Everton FC at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, Sunday Oct. 28, 2018. Manchester United won 2-1. (AP PhotoDave Thompson)
Romelu Lukaku dropped to the bench for United after eight scoreless matches at United. He came on in the 65th to whistles from the Everton fans who once adored him.
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