Manchester United got back to winning ways at Goodison Park.

The Red Devils were humbled by rivals Manchester City in their previous Premier League fixture, Erling Haaland and Phil Foden scoring hat-tricks in a 6-3 win for the champions.

But United regrouped to pick up a crucial 2-1 win against Everton last Sunday, first half goals from Antony and Cristiano Ronaldo after Alex Iwobi's stunning early opener securing all three points.

United had to defend for their lives in the final minutes of the match, though.

Everton piled on the pressure in search of an equaliser, but were ultimately unable to breach the visitors' back-line for a second time.

Jordan Pickford came close to scoring vs Man Utd

There were a number of close calls for United, with the Toffees' goalkeeper Pickford coming within inches of a famous goal.

The England shot-stopper came up for a corner in the dying embers of the match and were it not for some heroic defending by Raphael Varane, he would have had a first career goal.

Jordan Pickford jumps for the ball

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 09: Jordan Pickford of Everton jumps for the ball in a corner during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Manchester United at Goodison Park on October 09, 2022 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Varane had only entered the fray a few moments prior to his crucial intervention, the Frenchman replacing Antony in the 90th minute to help see out the game - which he certainly did.

The former Real Madrid man's glancing header from a well-directed Everton corner kick is deservedly being praised by United fans on social media...

Video: Varane's first touch stopped Pickford scoring

Now that's what you call a match-winning cameo! It was a tactical masterstroke by Erik ten Hag, who recognised that United desperately needed their biggest aerial threat to combat Everton's late barrage.

Here's some of the best reaction to Varane's vital piece of defending:

Speaking after the match, Ten Hag was unsurprisingly very happy with Varane's cameo, as well as the performances of Ronaldo and Scott McTominay from the bench.

The Dutchman told United's official website: “Once again, we are also happy with all the subs that have come on. Cristiano [Ronaldo] making the winning goal, but also Scott [McTominay], Rapha [Varane] was on at the end.

“You mentioned some difficult situations and you can see how important Rapha is there with his organisation and his heading capacity.”

Despite the fact Victor Lindelof was far from bad against Everton, Varane will almost certainly be reinstated to United's starting XI for their next Premier League fixture at home to Newcastle United.

With Callum Wilson returning to fitness and form, Ten Hag will need his best centre-back at the peak of his powers.

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