With one eye on the Champions League semi-final against Schalke on Tuesday, Sir Alex Ferguson made five changes to the side who played against Newcastle.
Rio Ferdinand, Jonny Evans, Fabio Da Silva, Darron Gibson and Antonio Valencia replaced Chris Smalling, Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra, Michael Carrick and Ryan Giggs.
Starting XI: Van Der Sar, O'Shea, Ferdinand, Evans, Fabio, Valencia, Gibson, Anderson, Nani, Rooney and Hernandez.
Subs: Kuszczak, Evra, Brown, Rafael, Carrick, Giggs and Owen.
For the first 10 minutes Man United were dominating the game but failing to test Tim Howard. The first meaningful attack came when Wayne Rooney played in Luis Nani down the left but Portuguese's shot was straight at Howard.
Man United were on top but still unable to create any notable chances. Rooney had a low cross in cleared by Phil Jagielka, that was followed by a poor shot from O'Shea, which went wide of the post.
25 minutes in a shot from Hernandez was finger-tipped behind by Howard for a corner. Soon after Gibson hit the ball well wide of the post. Minutes later Valencia picked out Rooney, who found Hernandez. The Mexican's shot was parried away by Howard.
Jermaine Beckford was calling for a penalty 10 minutes before half time after tangling with Evans in the penalty area. Beckford went down easily and the penalty correctly wasn't given.
Man United should have scored in the 38th minute. Valencia brushed Leighton Baines aside, he cut the ball back for Nani, his strike hit Hernandez and went wide.
During the second half, Everton had strong claims for a penalty after Victor Anichebe went down in the area after a challenge from Ferdinand but referee Peter Walton waved away the appeals.
Man United's first substitution was to bring on Evra, who replaces O'Shea.
Gibson with a shot from 25 yards out but his effort was blocked by Jagielka and went for a corner. From the resulting corner, Wayne Rooney had a shot blocked.
The second substitution by United was to bring on Michael Owen for Nani.
Everton started to put some pressure on the United goal, Leon Osman's cross in was cleared by Jonny Evans with Seamus Coleman ready to strike. Then a low shot by Jack Rodwell, which took a deflection off Evans brought out a great save from Edwin Van Der Sar.
Man United came very close to opening up the scoring after Owen hit the bar from six yards out.
The final sub made by United was to bring on Ryan Giggs for Gibson.
Man United were awarded a free-kick 25 yards out from goal, after Javier Hernandez was fouled. Rooney took it, his curling shot was tipped over the bar by Howard.
United continued to attack the Everton goal. Rooney had a shot go wide, Valencia had a shot blocked by Jagielka and then Howard saved an effort from Hernandez.
Man United finally took the lead with only seven minutes remaining. Valencia's cross towards the far post was headed in past Howard by Hernandez.
Three vital points were picked up by United. Next up in the league is Arsenal at the Emirates, that is followed by a league game against Chelsea at Old Trafford. In between those games are the two semi-final matches against Schalke in the Champions League.
Unbelievable game really thought we werent going to get the 3pts needed here but as always should have known better lol. Absolutely nail biting stuff and was really nervous but when Chicharito finally scored the elusive goal 7 mins from time oh my what relief it really was. I thought we played ok against a very in form Everton side who really defended well and did look threatening going forward. Rio maybe a little lucky not to give away a penalty on another day could have been given. Tim Howard again produced some sublime saves for Everton. Really glad with the 3 points after Schalke on Tues its time to wipe Arsenals season completely off track he he.