Manchester United went some way to banishing the memories of last weekend's Manchester derby by getting back to winning ways against Everton at Goodison Park this lunchtime.
The reigning champions, who controlled large parts of the first half, broke the deadlock after 19 minutes. Tom Cleverley found Patrice Evra on the left who in turn crossed for Javier Hernandez to head past Tim Howard from close range.
In reply Everton were largely reduced to long-range efforts, although Leighton Baines was inches away from levelling up the scoreline but his 25-yard free kick struck the crossbar with David de Gea rooted to the spot.
United's Danny Welbeck had a shot saved by Tim Howard shortly after the restart, while up the other end De Gea palmed away Jack Rodwell's effort following a mistake from Jonny Evans.
The home side failed to create any goalscoring chance of note as time run out, allowing United to maintain their grip on second position in the table.
They now trail rivals Manchester City by two points, with Roberto Mancini's men due to take on Wolverhampton Wanderers later this afternoon.
Liam Apicella
