Manchester United entered the game against Everton under pressure to win after they were outclassed at Old Trafford on Tuesday night by Juventus.
United trailed the Toffees in the league table before kick-off, but Jose Mourinho urged for calm in his programme notes.
“I believe that at the end of December we will be in a completely different position in the table,” the United boss said.
Paul Pogba didn’t do much to settle the home fans’ nerves in the 27th minute however, as he assumed penalty duties in the league for the fourth time this season.
The 25-year-old scored his first two penalties in the top-flight this campaign, but his last, against Joe Hart of Burnley was saved.
As has become his trademark, Pogba began his “run-up” from just outside the area and trotted towards the penalty spot.
Groans around the ground ensued as Pogba took over four seconds to strike the ball.
Jordan Pickford produced a strong hand to deny the Frenchman’s straight effort, but parried it back towards Pogba, who adjusted his feet well to slot home the opener.
Speaking about his goal to Sky Sports, the midfielder said: “I was lucky.
“The important thing is it went in and I scored the goal – good for us and me.
“After we carried on and had other chances, most important thing was the win.”
Questioned on his bizarre run-up, Pogba replied: “I always try and destabilise the keeper, maybe they know how I take penalties.
“Maybe I should practice to change it, if the keepers know my step.”
Anthony Martial added a wonderful second for United which was enough to see of Everton, who pulled one back via a more conventional penalty from Gylfi Sigurdsson.
The victory means United sit eighth in the league, just above Everton, on 17 points.