MANCHESTER -- Manchester United full-back Ashley Young is hoping the victory against Brighton will prove vital at the end of the season.
Young's deflected shot gave United all three points at Old Trafford on Saturday as Jose Mourinho's team ground out a much-needed win.
And the 32-year-old is hoping it could prove key -- especially at the start of a week in which United make the trip to Watford and Arsenal.
He said: "It could prove to be a very important goal. If we are totally honest we didn't play as well as we could do.
"Second half wasn't so bad but it still wasn't at the level that we have shown and when you come off the pitch after those sort of games and you've got the three points it's a big relief.
"I think you look back on them at the end of the season and you say that was a massive three points.
"We want to keep this good run we've got at home going. And we've got a massive week coming up with Watford and Arsenal away. We wanted to start the week by picking up the three points at home and then add to that next week."
Young was initially credited with the goal but by the end of the game it had been given to Lewis Dunk after the ball took a wicked deflection off the Brighton defender.
Young has not scored since Louis van Gaal's last league game in charge against Bournemouth 18 months ago and he insist it is his.
He added: "I think the rule is if it is on target then they give you the benefit of the doubt so I think I'll launch an appeal for it to be my goal.
"I don't think the defender is going to claim it is he? So we will see."
The result keeps United in touch with Manchester City at the top of the table.
It was a game that, last season, might have ended in stalemate having played out 15 draws, including 10 at home.
Young can see signs of improvement and pointed to the result against Brighton, and another 1-0 win at Southampton in September, as proof.
He said: "It is the sign of a good team to play poorly and yet still win.
"Last season we could have come away with a draw from this sort of game. Look at Southampton away earlier this season. We didn't play well then and we came away with the three points and we've done the same again today.
"And that is what is vitally important -- to keep picking up points especially going into this Christmas period, the busiest period of the season.
"The games are coming thick and fast and you want to pick up points whether you are at home or away.
"I think we've come on from last season. We maybe would have drawn or even lost this game last season. So for us to get the three points was massively important."