Radamel Falcao opened his Manchester United goalscoring account during this afternoon's 2-1 victory over Everton.

The deadlock was broken through Angel di Maria in the 27th minute, before Steven Naismith equalised for Everton early in the second half.

Yet, the win was secured by Falcao, who scored from close range just after the hour mark.

Here, Sports Mole has looked back over the contest to determine if the result was a fair one, or whether the visiting Toffees were deserving of a share of the spoils.

Match statistics

Man United
Shots: 15
On target: 4
Possession: 49%
Corners: 11
Fouls: 18

Everton
Shots: 10
On target: 6
Possession: 51%
Corners: 6
Fouls: 11

Was the result fair?

Roberto Martinez and his players will make the short trip back to Merseyside wondering how they haven't at least left Old Trafford with a point. The main reason behind that was the performance of United goalkeeper David de Gea, who made two great saves in the closing stages. Having said that, in the first 75 minutes or so, the away side were disappointing in an attacking sense. You wouldn't have begrudged Everton a draw, but United created the better openings over the entire game and were worthy winners.

Man United's performance

Louis van Gaal is bound to be pleased that for two Premier League games running his side has been up against it and under pressure while leading 2-1, but have held on to win both matches. Yes, there is still plenty of work needed defensively, but they did at least look organised this afternoon. Going forward, as you would expect with the talent at Van Gaal's disposal, they were extremely lively and Falcao's goal will do wonders for his confidence.

One cause for concern, though, is the pressure that United have come under in the closing stages of matches. It's happened a few times this season and it did again today. It seems that the likes of Daley Blind and Di Maria tire, which sees United lose a lot of their control on proceedings. Whether it's a fitness thing or just a case of Van Gaal needing to make substitutions is unclear, but it's a problem that does need addressing.

Everton's performance

The visitors will believe that they didn't deserve to lose, mainly because of the pressure that they applied in the final stages. Yet, on reflection, it can be argued that Martinez's men didn't cause enough problems until then. They appeared to be a little leggy on occasions, which is understandable considering their excursions in the Europa League.

The defence also continues to be a problem as well. Granted, they were up against some of the Premier League's best attacking talent, but the two goals have taken their conceding tally for the season to 21 in seven matches. That's an average of three goals per game and it needs sorting it out.

Sports Mole's man of the match

David de Gea: There were a number of contenders for this award, but the man that had the biggest impact on the result was De Gea. First of all he saved a penalty from Leighton Baines (the first goalkeeper to ever do so in the Premier League). Then, in stoppage time, he produced two stops of the highest quality to ensure that his side held out for all three points.

Biggest gaffe

Usually so reliable from the spot, Baines struck a poor penalty today. Previously he had scored all 14 of his Premier League penalties, but today he gave De Gea too much of a chance and the United goalkeeper made the most of it.

Referee performance

Kevin Friend sent the tone early on by booking Robin van Persie and from then on it seemed that every foul warranted the same punishment. It's fair to say it wasn't the official's best performance.

What next?

Man United: After the international break, United go to West Bromwich Albion looking to make it three wins on the trot.

Everton: As for Everton, they return to the home comforts of Goodison Park with the visit of Aston Villa.