• Manchester United 2-1 Everton

Di Maria: De Gea was the reason we won

David De Gea tipping over Bryan Oviedo's late strike was the last of a string of fine saves from the goalkeeper © Getty Images

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Man of the match Angel Di Maria said his award should have gone to Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea after his side recorded back-to-back wins for the first time under Louis van Gaal with a 2-1 win over Everton.

Di Maria put United ahead midway through the first half as he fired home from Juan Mata's cross for his third goal of the season. But the visitors had the chance to level matters at the break after Tony Hibbert was brought down by Luke Shaw on the stroke of half-time.

Leighton Baines stepped up to take the resulting penalty and aimed for the bottom left but was thwarted by De Gea, who made a big one-handed save.

Angel Di Maria's first-half strike set Manchester United on their way to victory © Getty Images

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Baines made up for his mistake 10 minutes into the second half as he picked out Steven Naismith with a pinpoint cross in the centre of the penalty box and the Scot headed home from close range with the equaliser.

The hosts were back in front just after the hour mark as Di Maria turned provider for fellow summer recruit Radamel Falcao, who slotted the ball past Tim Howard from six yards out to make it 2-1 with his first United goal.

De Gea did well to keep out a two late Leon Osman strikes, one from Gareth Barry and one fantastic effort from Bryan Oviedo as the hosts held on for the three points.

Di Maria was handed the man of the match award, but said: "I think David is the guy who deserves this reward rather than myself. He saved us throughout the game, particularly towards the end and the penalty as well."

He also reserved praise for fellow newcomer Falcao and hopes the win is the start of things to come at Old Trafford.

"It's great for him," Di Maria added. "He's been looking for that first goal for a while now and he's it's very, very important for him now. I think not only him but ourselves are on the right road now and the main thing is we're fighting for victories and fighting for points.

"We've got the three points for the day and hopefully we can now move further up the table.''

While De Gea was delighted with the result and praised the United defence, saying: "I think we played a very good game. I think in the first half we had the possession and we scored a goal and I think in the last 10 minutes they pressed a lot and they had many chances, but I saved their chances and I'm happy for that, for the win.

"I think the back four defenders for the team played very well and of course it was a great match a good three points.''

Shaw was also full of praise for De Gea after giving away the penalty that the goalkeeper saved.

"I'm not going to say the penalty was a bad decision but it was one I did not feel was right. I thought I touched the ball and, if you look at the replay, I think you can see I do touch the ball.

"I'm devastated it was a penalty but all thanks to David De Gea. I did tweet straight afterwards to thank him. He was world-class today and made us get the three points."

Wow @D_DeGea was unbelievable today! Thank you my friend for the penalty save — Luke Shaw (@LukeShaw3) October 5, 2014

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