Premier League: Everton 0 Manchester United 1

Manchester United got back to winning ways, as Javier Hernandez struck to give the champions a 1-0 win at Everton on Saturday.

The Mexican’s goal in the 19th minute was stoutly defended by the visitors for the remainder, as David Moyes’ side were more than equal to United for much of the contest with the home side having two penalty appeals turned down at Goodison Park.

Sir Alex Ferguson made wholesale changes as would be expected after their thrashing at the hands of Manchester City, with Rio Ferdinand and Nani dropping to the bench as the Scot brought back Tom Cleverley into the starting XI after injury.

Moyes brought in Seamus Coleman and Diniyar Bilyaletdinov to reinforce the defences against a United side who were hungry to put Sunday’s horrors behind them.

In what had been a troublesome six days for the Old Trafford club, one glimmer of good news emanating from the beleaguered camp was the contract extension of Hernandez, who confirmed his desire to stay with the Premier League champions.

Ferguson’s faith in the striker paid off in the first-half when a slick move from the left of midfield which involved Cleverley and Danny Welbeck opened space for Patrice Evra in the channel, and the French international’s cross gave Hernandez a simple tap-in from close range to give the visitors the lead.

Everton needed to respond, and for the remainder of the first period, it was the hosts who took control of the game and produced quality chances.

Jack Rodwell was unlucky not to score when his quick thinking nicked the ball away from Cleverley but his left foot strike to the far post did not bend enough to slide in beyond United custodian David De Gea.

Everton’s best chance to equalise came shortly before the break when Darren Fletcher fouled Marouane Fellaini on the edge of the box, and Leighton Baines’ free-kick was denied by only the underside of the crossbar with De Gea rooted to the spot beaten.

Manchester United were forced into a change early in the second half, when Cleverley limped from the field to replaced by Nani as Ferguson changed his hand.

Everton looked susceptible to the counter attack all afternoon and when a long range cross field pass was beautifully chested down by Welbeck only a great save from former United goalkeeper Tim Howard kept the deficit at one goal.

The home side continued to attack and a frantic spell late on could have yielded a penalty when an Everton corner was not dealt with cleanly referee Mark Halsey did not see enough and kept the whistle from his mouth which summarised Everton’s day.