Anthony Martial believes Manchester United's morale-boosting midweek cup victory can kick-start a season that has been a personal and collective struggle.
United entered the weekend 11 points off the summit and eight points off a Champions League berth following their worst start to a season in the Premier League era.
They have, though, fared better in the cup competitions and progressed to the EFL Cup semi-finals with a 4-1 defeat of West Ham on Wednesday, with Martial netting twice.
The France international forward, who has struggled to make an impact this season after netting 17 goals last term, now hopes to build on that display when Jose Mourinho's side travel to Everton on Sunday.
"Firstly, it felt great to score in the week as I've not played that regularly of late," Martial said.
"It was good to get those two goals as it's a real confidence boost. Hopefully we can take that into the game on Sunday.
"We've had a lot of draws recently and have come up against goalkeepers in amazing form.
"But we've worked really hard to improve our efficiency and effectiveness in front of goal and hopefully that will pay off."
Everton have won only one of their last eight league matches but Martial, who turns 21 on Monday, is expecting a tough test at Goodison Park.
"I think it will be tough," Martial told MUTV. "They've strengthened in the pre-season, they've improved their squad. I think it will be a good game.
"But I think if we play the way we know how to, I think we can do well there and get a good result.
"The fact that they've had a bad run of results can make them more determined to bounce back and get back on the winning trail again.
"All teams raise their game when the play against Manchester United, we know that.
"Especially going to away grounds, so it's going to be a tough encounter for us."
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