Anthony Gordon has fired Everton ahead against Manchester United courtesy of an unlucky deflection from Harry Maguire.
Gordon, 21, sent the crowd at Goodison Park wild after opening the scoring after 27 minutes, just as the home support were beginning to grow frustrated with their side.
Gordon began the move by winning possession from Nemanja Matic in midfield and then playing a through ball to Richarlison on the left wing.
The Brazilian then played a cross into the box which was only partially cleared to Gordon at the edge of the area.
He then fired a shot towards goal which took a huge deflection off United captain Maguire, leaving his goalkeeper David De Gea stranded.
Everton almost took a 2-0 lead later in the half when another deflected shot, this time from Richarlison, forced De Gea into a fine save.
United made it through to the break only 1-0 down and former Everton defender Joleon Lescott was reluctant to criticise Maguire for the goal during BT Sport's half-time coverage.
"When your luck is out, your luck is out," Lescott said.
"Harry Maguire deflects the shot away from David De Gea but take nothing away from Gordon.
"He's tried to be the spark for Everton. He's reacted when he's lost the ball and won it back there.
"All of the sudden he's put his team in front."
Everton will move four points clear of the relegation zone if they beat United.
Meanwhile, United could find themselves six points adrift of the Champions League places if they lose at Goodison Park and either fourth-place Tottenham beat Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon, or fifth-place Arsenal beat Brighton.
Topics: Harry Maguire, Football, Manchester United, Premier League, Everton, anthony gordon
Rory O'Callaghan