Penalty save

By Chris O'Brien
October 11 2014

David de Gea produced an inspired goalkeeping display as Manchester United claimed a vital three points on Sunday with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Everton.

Angel Di Maria and Falcao were on target for United, as Louis van Gaal secured back-to-back wins at the helm of the club for the first time.

The deadlock was broken on 27 minutes courtesy of a fine finish from Angel Di Maria, who posed a creative threat for the hosts throughout.

United had De Gea to thank, however, for that lead being intact at the break. He produced a fine penalty save to deny Leighton Baines after Luke Shaw felled Tony Hibbert.

Baines played a key role in Everton's second-half equaliser. His free-kick was nodded home by Steven Naismith, to the delight of the travelling Scousers.

Seven minutes later, Falcao grabbed his first United goal to wrestle the lead back for the Red Devils. For the impressive Di Maria even a mis-hit shot was effective, with United's on-loan Colombian ecstatic to poke home a decent finish.

De Gea, however, was United's hero. He produced a string of stunning saves at the death to seal maximum points, with Bryan Oviedo and Leon Osman both left wondering what they needed to do to beat the in-form Spaniard.

The result sends United into the Champions League qualification spots for the first time in over a year, with a trip to West Bromwich Albion next up for van Gaal's improving side.

Full Time - Manchester United 2-1 Everton
Attendance - 75,294