Man U return to PL's top four for first time in more than a year with 2-1 Everton win

Manchester United returned to the top four in the Premier League for the first time in more than a year as Radamel Falcao recorded his first goal for the club which proved decisive against Everton.

Argentine winger Angel Di Maria made a calm finish in the 27th minute to provide the hosts a lead that survived to half time as Everton centre-back Leighton Baines saw a penalty saved.

Baines then picked out midfielder Steven Naismith after half time to nod in an equaliser and United striker Falcao cleared a Phil Jagielka header off the line, The BBC reported.

However, Falcao saved United from a draw as he stabbed in from Di Maria's shot to grab the winner.

Everton, who have won only one of their first seven league games, could easily have taken something from the game but Bryan Oviedo, who scored the winner in the fixture last season, was denied by a tremendous stoppage-time save from David De Gea.

United's first back-to-back league wins under Louis van Gaal carry the Dutchman's side into the Champions League qualification places for the first time since they drew with Chelsea in predecessor David Moyes' second league match in charge.

With the international break, their next game is not until 20 October when they are away to West Bromwich Albion and Van Gaal would hope his new-look side can consolidate their form to ensure more wins at Old Trafford.

Everton manager Roberto Martinez said that they are disappointed with the second goal, adding that he thought the referee made a major, major error. He said that he just doesn't understand that decision.

Martinez said that Steven Pienaar received a knock and went to ground, with the ball in front of him and added that the referee was well aware of it. He said that the referee was talking with the fourth official.

Martinez said that it was a clear-cut decision, adding that the law says if the player is on the ground and the ball is not in a dangerous position one needs to stop the game.

The Everton boss said that United attack and the ball ended up in their net, adding that he does not think that is fair.