The striker found the net early in the second half to secure three points for his side and keep them in a strong position in the fight for a top four finish in the Premier League

Anthony Martial struck Manchester United's 1000th Premier League goal at Old Trafford as Louis van Gaal's side maintained their push for the Champions League places with a 1-0 win over Everton.

Following an uneventful first half and a wave of Everton pressure to begin the second period, United became the first team to reach the landmark when Marcus Rashford and substitute Timothy Fosu-Mensah combined to set up Martial's 13th goal for United this season.

The win moves the hosts back within a point of fourth-placed rivals Manchester City, who they beat immediately before the international break, with seven matches remaining for each side.

Everton hit the crossbar through captain Phil Jagielka shortly after Martial's strike but could not avoid a first Premier League defeat on the road since October.

Roberto Martinez's side remain 12th with eight league matches to play and could face United again in the FA Cup semi-final later this month if Van Gaal's men negotiate a quarter-final replay at West Ham.

Before kick-off, United icon Bobby Charlton received a rousing ovation on the field as an in-stadium mosaic marked Old Trafford's South Stand being renamed in his honour.

United were unchanged from their derby win over Manchester City last time out, while the visitors welcomed England defender John Stones back from international duty with a place at centre-back ahead of Ramiro Funes Mori.

Everton winger Gerard Deulofeu – recalled in the visitors' other change - darted menacingly past Marcos Rojo but failed to get a shot off after bursting into the United box.

Both sides attacked willingly in an enterprising start and Martial saw his strike deflected narrowly beyond the far post by Everton full-back Leighton Baines.

David de Gea was out quickly to spare Chris Smalling, who lost his footing to leave reported United target Romelu Lukaku bearing down on goal in a first half which saw neither side produce a shot on target. 

Fosu-Mensah replaced Rojo at half-time and Matteo Darmian switched to left-back but Deulofeu continued to cause problems down the United left – his low cross to Lukaku prompting a last-ditch intervention from Smalling.

Daley Blind was the next man to bravely deny Lukaku and Smalling blocked from Tom Cleverley, although Everton's pressure would count for nothing when United picked them apart in the 54th minute.

Teenage striker Rashford rolled a backheel into the path of Fosu-Mensah, whose low cross evaded Stones and Seamus Coleman for Martial drill into the net via the legs of goalkeeper Joel Robles.

Jagielka thudded a header from Deulofeu's right-wing corner against the bar as Everton sought an immediate response.

United, though, were attacking with increasing confidence by the time Martinez made a surprise call to replace the excellent Deulofeu with Kevin Mirallas.

The change did nothing to shake the impression that Everton had run out of ideas, until the excellent Blind departed through injury to give them late encouragement.

Jagielka got on the end of a late set-piece but blasted too close to De Gea and Fosu-Mensah hacked a Coleman cross out of the goalmouth as United preserved a fourth consecutive home Premier League win.

•  

   

  Full-time at Old Trafford. Not a match of the year contender by any means this afternoon, but Manchester United certainly won't mind as they earn the 1-0 win after a solitary strike from Anthony Martial, who once again provides the inspiration for the Red Devils. Champions League qualification is still a real possibility for Louis van Gaal's men, but still plenty of work to be done to overcome Manchester City in fourth place. Everton just want this season do be over and done with by the looks of it, with only the FA Cup providing any kind of excitement between now and May. Thanks for joining us, see you next time!
• 90'+2'

   

  Yellow Card Jesse Lingard
  Deserved yellow card for Lingard who stops an Everton counter with a foul.
• 90'+1'

   

  FOUR minutes of added time have been allocated by the referee here which catalyses a chorus of nervous boos from the Old Trafford crowd. The hosts don't have too long to hold on now, but Everton may be buoyed by the fact that have been awarded a little extra time to try and equalise.
• 89'

   

  United are just professionally attempting to see out the remainder of the game here with a nice little period of sustained possession inside the Everton half. Indeed, the Toffees look dead on their feet out their now so it will take a monumental effort in the last portion of play if they are to claim a dramatic equaliser.
• 87'

   

  SubstitutionRoss Barkley El-Hadji Baye Oumar Niasse
  Another throw of the dice from Martinez here, who introduces January signing, Baye Niasse, in place of the ineffectual Ross Barkley. The Merseyside outfit are really turning up the heat on United here, but can they find that one elusive chance before the end of the 90 minutes?!
• 86'

   

  WHAT AN INTERCEPTION FROM VALENCIA! Coleman goes on a signature run down the right-hand side and eventually hits the byline before smashing a teasing cross along the six-yard box. Lukaku looks destined to find the back of the net with the tap-in, but is thwarted by the United substitute, who clears with a stunning slided block a couple of yards out!
• 84'

   

  Baines stands over a free kick deep down the right wing and it seems likely he will cross into the danger area. However, the left-back intelligently reverses a pass to the edge of the box where Cleverly smashes an attempt at goal, but the United backline defend superbly by dashing out as a unit to make the vital block before eventually clearing!
• 82'

   

  SubstitutionDaley Blind Luis Antonio Valencia Mosquera
  Confirmation of Blind having to leave the pitch here, as he is replaced by Antonio Valencia. Certainly a patched up Manchester United defence out there now, so perhaps Everton can take advantage by piling on the pressure in these latter stages.
• 80'

   

  Earlier on in the half, Blind went down clutching his hamstring, only to soldier on for another 20 minutes or so. The former Ajax man, who featured for the Netherlands over the international break, seems to have succumbed to the problem now though as he is once again looking to receive treatment from the physio. Unclear whether it is cramp or something a bit more sinister.
• 78'

   

  Joel receives a pass back from Jagielka and then sends a long diagonal up top Lukaku, who battles away with Blind trying to come out on top with the ball on the deck. In the end, the Dutchman, with some help from Schneiderlin, gets the better of the Everton striker, who once again vents his frustrations.
• 76'

   

  Lingard, who has been extremely quiet this afternoon, attempts to lift the pressure off his team-mates with a galloping run down the left channel before cutting inside. He manages to skip a couple of challenges, but is eventually dispossessed by Cleverley, who vigilantly tracked the run all of 30 yards from inside the home half.
• 74'

   

  Just over 15 minutes remaining at Old Trafford and Everton are running out of time to try and force a comeback here. On paper, United probably need the points more than their opponents today, who are down in 12th place with not a lot to play for, so the pressure that comes with that may start to crop up.
• 72'

   

  Martial barges his way into the penalty area from the left wing and looks poised to pull the trigger, only to decide against it to lay into the path of Herrera, who subsequently lifts a pass in behind the Everton defence. Rashford collects and attempts to reverse a low ball back inside towards the penalty spot, but Coleman is on hand to make the vital interception.
• 70'

   

  As we all know, one thing Manchester United can do pretty well is keep possession, and although this may have been a curse at 0-0, they can rest assured that they have the capabilities to see out the victory by simply keeping the ball. With Everton pressing for the equaliser, they might get a bit more room up top, too.
• 68'

   

  Barkley, despite showing a couple of glimpses of quality, really has not been in the game at all in this second period and appears to be suffering from a bit of a lack on confidence. The England international this time collects possession deep down the left wing and goes to find Lukaku inside the six-yard box, but the resulting cross actually goes out for a throw-in on the opposite side of the pitch.
• 66'

   

  United still need to guard against complacency this afternoon if they are to move within a point of Manchester City in the race for the top four. They have only conceded seven goals in the league at Old Trafford this season, which will certainly give them encouragement, but Everton still have the tools to hurt the hosts before full-time.
• 64'

   

  Everton don't really seem to have any answers for Man Utd's ascendancy here at the moment and appear to have went slightly stale in their attacking play. Their best bet for a goal in the first half was probably Deulofeu, but he has not went off so the impetus is with Lukaku to try and find some inspiration, but he needs better service into the box.
• 62'

   

  SubstitutionGerard Deulofeu Lázaro Kevin Mirallas
  Roberto Martinez finally decides a change is required out there and withdraws Deulofeu, who had a bright first half but a pretty poor beginning to the second period, leave the action to be replaced by Kevin Mirallas. Let's see if the Belgian can make a positive impact for his side here.
• 61'

   

  Yellow Card Chris Smalling
  Chris Smalling picks up a yellow card here, and in pretty needless fashion as he hauls John Stones to the floor.
• 60'

   

  Much, much better stuff from Man Utd here as they have clearly been advised by Van Gaal to up the tempo of their passing a bit. It took a little while for the tactic to pay-off, but after an abject start to the half they have burst into life after scoring that opening goal.
• 58'

   

  SubstitutionMichael Carrick Ander Herrera Agüera
  Van Gaal responds quite quickly to going a goal ahead here and makes his second change of the match. Coming off his Carrick, who is indeed getting on in years now, and his replacement in the middle of midfield will be Ander Herrera, who enters the action to a cheer of applause from the Old Trafford faithful.
• 56'

   

  EVERTON HIT THE WOODWORK! The Toffees almost make the perfect response to going a goal behind as Baines whips a superb corner kick into the box for Jagielka, who rises high to bullet a header at goal which cannons off the top of the crossbar! So very unlucky, and the hosts survive.
• 54'

   

  Assist Timothy Fosu-Mensah
  Immediate impact from Fosu-Mensah, as a marauding run down the right wing eventually sees the youngster tee up Martial to score.
• 54'

   

   

   

  Goal Anthony Martial
  GOOOOOOAAAAAAAAALLLLLL FOR MANCHESTER UNITED! THE HOSTS BREAK THE DEADLOCK! Fosu-Mensah, who actually appears to have been deployed down the right rather than the left, exchanges a lovely one-two with Rashford before teasing a cross deep to the back post, where Martial is on hand to squeeze a strike past Joel! One-nil!
• 52'

   

  There is an air of discontent around Old Trafford at the moment as the United faithful once again are seemingly unhappy at the pragmatic approach to the game. Yes, Martial and Rashford can inject some pace up top, but for the most part the hosts have been lackadaisical in possession, which has been a real problem for them all season when playing at home.
• 50'

   

  Half-hearted penalty shout from Everton as possession breaks loose to the edge of the box which allows McCarthy to smash a powerful strike at goal. Schneiderlin charges the attempt down, and there are a few musing of a potential hand ball, but the referee is having none of it and quickly waves play on.
• 48'

   

  It will be interesting to see if Everton try and get the ball to Deulofeu as quick as they can now as the former Barcelona star is now up against the relatively untested Fosu-Mensah at left-back. If the Spaniard continues his form from the first half, then it could be a long afternoon for the United youngster, but the latter has impressed in his cameos so far this season.
• 46'

   

  SubstitutionFaustino Marcos Alberto Rojo Timothy Fosu-Mensah
  Change to report at the break for Manchester United and it sees Marcos Rojo leave the action to be replaced by Timothy Fosu-Mensah. Unclear at this point whether the alteration is tactical or due to an injury for the Argentine.
• 46'

   

  We are back under way in this clash between Man Utd and Everton! Do we have a winner?
•  

   

  Half-time at Old Trafford. Defences have been on top so far in this Barclays Premier League clash between Manchester United and Everton, who go into the break at a 0-0 stalemate. The visitors have arguably been the better side and have had a good portion of possession, but Van Gaal's men still capable of posing a threat, particularly through Martial and Rashford. All to play for in the second period!
• 43'

   

  Martial has showed glimpses of his quality this afternoon with his dashes into space, but he has been slightly guilty of coming far too deep to receive possession, too. He can regularly be found near the centre circle trying to see more of the ball, but that area is where Schneiderlin and Carrick should be operating, with the Frenchman causing havoc in more advanced positions.
• 41'

   

  There is a bit of a lull in the game at the moment as both sides seem apprehensive about the possibility of conceding the opening goal so close to the break. It has certainly been an even game so if anyone was to score just now, the opposing team would probably have the right to feel aggrieved.
• 39'

   

  Just over five minutes remaining in the opening half at Old Trafford, and we aren't really any closer to finding the first goal through either team. Defences have definitely been on top so far, with Blind, Smalling, Jagielka, and Stones in particular impressing.
• 37'

   

  What a fantastic challenge that is from John Stones! United penetrate through the middle and leading the charge is Martial, who bursts into the penalty area before looking poised to get the shot away, but before he can, the England international comes in from behind to claw possession away at the last minute! That looked a certain goal, but the hosts are denied!
• 35'

   

  Everton have had the majority of the possession so far in the game, but we all know how much Van Gaal loves this aspect of the game, so United are just trying to reclaim a bit more dominance in the central area with short, stabbed passes to one another. Schneiderlin and Carrick typically involved.
• 33'

   

  Rojo has been pretty impressive with his attacking play so far and is certainly not lacking in his ambition to hit the byline. He does just that here only to cut back and pass inside to Martial, who skips past a couple of challenges effortlessly before going for a curled strike at goal, but unluckily for him, Everton defend well on the edge of the box to make the block.
• 31'

   

  Stones, who has been heavily criticised over the pass few weeks for allegedly taking too many chances at the back when in possession, looks to have a more cautious air about him this afternoon. Even with that, though, he very nearly allows Rashford to steal the ball in a dangerous area with a loose pass into midfield.
• 29'

   

  It is now the hosts' turn to heap some pressure on the opposition as Everton just move into slightly deeper positions to deal with United's ascendancy. Rashford and Martial are more often than not the targets of crosses and passes into the box, but Jagielka and Stones have defended relatively solid so far, particularly in their aerial duties.
• 27'

   

  Rashford has worked the channels pretty well so far, even with the majority of his runs coming on the left. The United youngster pops up on the right on this occasion though, and opens up his stride with a typically incisive run at the defender, which eventually sees him earn a corner kick off the foot of a Baines. The set-piece is sent into the box, but Martial's blocked header allows Coleman to clear.
• 25'

   

  OUTSTANDING goalkeeping from De Gea! Smalling poorly slips at the back which allows Lukaku to gain possession before driving towards goal with authority, but the Man Utd stopper spotted the danger as soon as his team-mate was bested, and quickly dashes out from his line to clear up the park before the Belgian can think about getting the shot away.
• 23'

   

  We are just beyond the midway point of the first half now and Roberto Martinez will certainly be more than happy with the display of his outfit so far. The Toffees have had United camped inside their own half for a sustained period now, but they will still need to be wary of the counter as the hosts have the pace of Martial and Rashford in particular in their attack.
• 21'

   

  Baines stands over a free kick around 25 yards out and steps up to hit a weak set-piece which cannons off the top of the Man Utd wall before going out for a corner kick. The Engishman is tasked with this dead ball, also, which he floats dangerously to the back post, but a few United players combine to usher possession out for a goal kick.
• 19'

   

  Both sides are yet to really find their feet in an attacking sense, as although there is a fairly decent intensity out on the pitch, there hasn't been too much penetration into the final third and into the respective opposition penalty areas. A lot of respect being shown to each other.
• 17'

   

  MARTIAL! HOW CLOSE WAS THAT?! The former Monaco attacker, who has been deployed down the left wing this afternoon, pops up in a more central area on this occasion around 35 yards out and unleashes a stinging strike at goal which JUST goes the wrong side of the post! Joel was rooted to the spot, but he breathes a sigh of relief in the end.
• 15'

   

  Even with the high-tempo beginning to the match, neither goalkeeper has been tested to any kind of high degree between the sticks, with most of the play featuring down the wings. Plenty of bodies roaming in the middle of the pitch, too, which means the creative players aren't being awarded too much space in which to operate and dictate play.
• 13'

   

  Impressive from Everton in the past few minutes, who are approaching the game with little fear. Martinez's men do indeed have an excellent record away from home in the league, and by the looks of things the confidence continues to flow when they are not playing at Goodison Park.
• 11'

   

  Barkley collects possession around 30 yards out and thinks about pulling the trigger before opting to pop a lovely diagonal pass out wide to Deulofeu. The former Barcelona winger then successfully takes on Rojo before bursting dangerously into the box, but before he can get the shot away he just takes a heavy touch which allows Man Utd to clear.
• 9'

   

  A cracking start to proceedings at Old Trafford, and it is clear from the opening stages that Man Utd fancy their chances down this left wing with Rojo, Martial, and Rashford combining. Everton, meanwhile, are trying to get Lukaku into the game a little more as it has been a relatively comfortable start for Smalling and Blind in the centre of defence.
• 7'

   

  Rojo once again powers up the left wing before popping a precise pass down the channel for Rashford, who confidently takes in possession before linking up impressively with Martial. The Frenchman finds a yard of space to whip a teasing cross to the back post, but Cleverley, at the second attempt, shakes off the attentions of Darmian to eventually clear the danger.
• 5'

   

  Blind is put under massive pressure down at the corner flag from Lennon, who does well to retrieve possession before playing inside to Lukaku. The Belgian looks to take the ball in to feet before attempting to get a strike away, but just can't quite take the pass in, which allows Smalling to vigilantly come across to make the interception.
• 3'

   

  Some worrying scenes for Everton early on here as McCarthy is currently down injured after taking a nasty blow to the ankle from Rojo, who attempts to clear the ball down the left wing for Martial. The Republic of Ireland international looks in quite a bit of pain as he leaves the pitch for treatment, but does so on his feet, which suggests he is okay to continue.
• 1'

   

  WE ARE UNDER WAY AT OLD TRAFFORD!
•  

   

  The players make their way to the pitch and we are almost ready for kick-off!
•  

   

  Before the match this afternoon, Old Trafford will unite in tribute to Manchester United and England legend, Bobby Charlton, who sees one of the stands named after him today. The World Cup winner trudges out on to the pitch to soak up the accolades and the atmosphere.
•  

   

  Everton subs: Howard, Oviedo, Kone, Mirallas, Niasse, Besic, Funes Mori.
•  

   

  Everton (4-2-3-1): Joel; Coleman, Jagielka, Stones, Baines; Cleverley, McCarthy, Lennon, Barkley, Deulofeu; Lukaku.
•  

   

  Man Utd subs: Romero, Fosu-Mensah, Valencia, Young, Fellaini, Herrera, Memphis.
•  

   

  Man Utd (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Darmian, Smalling, Blind, Rojo; Schneiderlin, Carrick; Lingard, Mata, Martial; Rashford.
•  

   

  TEAM NEWS...
•  

   

  Everton are aiming to get back to winning ways after two poor losses at Goodison Park against West Ham and Arsenal in the league, but can take some heart from the fact that sandwiched between these two defeats came an excellent FA Cup quarter-final victory against Chelsea at home. The Toffees have been much better on their travels this year, having lost only one of their last 14 matches away from home.
•  

   

  Despite being down in sixth at the moment, Man Utd should have relatively high confidence following their previous league match before the international break. At the Etihad Stadium a couple of weeks ago, a solitary strike from teenage sensation, Marcus Rashford, sealed the 1-0 win for the Red Devils as they overcame Manchester City in the derby. However, this result did come on the back of two disappointing results against West Ham and West Brom, so they will be keen to insitigate a run of good form with another win today following the City victory.
•  

   

  The two managers this afternoon can't really be totally assured of their positions next season due to the aforementioned inconsistencies, but it is worth noting that the reasons for the criticisms actually come at opposite ends of the spectrum. The former Bayern Munich boss has been accused of adopting a slightly pragmatic approach to games, with plenty of 0-0 draws peppered within the results of Man United this year. Martinez, conversely, has received accolades for Everton's attacking prowess, but continues to be accused of lacking the defensive tactical know-how to compliment the goals being scored. This is further proved by the records of both teams this season, as United have scored just 38 goals while conceding 27, with the Merseyside outfit netting an impressive 51, only to ship 41.
•  

   

  Considering the lofty stature of both sides featuring today, it would be fair to say that it has been an inconsistent season to say the least for Man Utd and Everton. Under the tutelage of Louis van Gaal, the Red Devils currently find themselves down in sixth place with 50 points taken from 30 matches, which is four points from the coveted last Champions League qualification position. Roberto Martinez, meanwhile, has came under plenty of pressure for the performances of his charges this campaign, as the Toffees are down in 12th place, six points away from even breaking into the top half of the league table.
•  

   

  Good afternoon football fans! Welcome to LIVE coverage of the Barclays Premier League clash between Manchester United and Everton from Old Trafford.