Manchester United recorded a fourth successive win as they beat Stoke City 2-1 to continue their revival to strengthen their place in the Premier League top four.
Belgian midfielder Marouane Fellaini opened the lead for the home side as he headed in Ander Herrera's leftwing cross at the far post. Stoke equalised through Steven N'Zonzi's low shot, but they slipped to a third straight loss when Juan Mata's free-kick from the right sneaked in to secure United's win.
Stoke's Mame Biram Diouf was twice denied an injury-time equaliser. The forward, who had an undistinguished spell at Old Trafford earlier in his career, saw United keeper David De Gea claw out his header before emergency full-back Ashley Young cleared another effort off the line seconds later, The BBC reported.
A draw would have been harsh on United, who controlled the game throughout but had to rely on a piece of fortune for the winner.
Mata's set-piece evaded every player waiting in the penalty area before finding the net, although teammate Marcos Rojo claimed that he got the final touch with his head.
Also Read
Louis van Gaal's team continues to build momentum, despite failing to turn almost 65 percent of possession into more goals.
Skipper Wayne Rooney and Angel Di Maria were both missing from United's squad through injuries sustained against Hull on Saturday. And for long periods, the home side missed the pair's attacking guile.
Old Trafford lost some of its famed 'fear factor' last season as United slumped to seven home Premier League defeats in a terrible first campaign following Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement.
That aura of invincibility appears to have returned under Van Gaal, whose team have taken 19 home points from a possible 21 since defeat by Swansea on the opening day.
Van Gaal claimed that it was not their best performance, adding that they were not aggressive enough in the first half and didn't keep their position on the pitch.
The Dutchman admitted that he was not pleased at half-time and told the players. He claims that the second half was better, as they created more chances but they need to score more goals.
Van Gaal also said that he is happy with the result.
