Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has branded his side's 1-0 success over Everton "a very important win".

Anthony Martial scored the only goal of the match as the Red Devils beat Everton at Old Trafford to move within one point of the top four in the Premier League table.

Mata admitted that the second period was uncomfortable when the visitors pressed forward, but was delighted that his team held on to record all the points.

"We wanted to win, but we wanted to win in our play. Today, especially in the second period, we did very good. It was a good game and a very important win," Mata told Sky Sports News.

"There were times when Everton played really good football and we knew it was going to be tough. In the second period we played like we needed to, we had to win and we did it."

Man United will travel to title challengers Tottenham Hotspur in the league next weekend.