Andros Townsend says he is determined to continue “repaying the manager’s faith” after netting his fifth goal of the season in Everton’s 1-1 draw at Manchester United on Saturday.

Townsend clinically finished an exhilarating counter-attack on 65 minutes to equalise for the Blues after Anthony Martial had put United ahead shortly before half-time.

The leveller was no more than Everton deserved – Rafa Benitez's side delivered a dynamic and purposeful performance at Old Trafford and created numerous openings.

Everton fired in 12 shots on goal – just one fewer than the home team – and saw what would have been a late Yerry Mina winner chalked off by VAR for a marginal offside.

In addition to his five goals this term, Townsend has also provided three assists, meaning he has kicked off his Toffees career with eight goal contributions in eight starts.

The 30-year-old said: “When you go to Old Trafford and create the chances we had… Yes, we’re delighted, but on another day it could have been three points.

“People on the outside maybe didn’t give us a chance looking at our injuries, but we knew we could get a point or all three. We take the draw, we regroup, we rest and recover – hopefully get some bodies back – and then hopefully have a real go over the next month.”

On his exceptional form, Townsend added: “I’m working hard on the training field.

“The manager demands the very best. He got the best out of me at Newcastle and he seems to be getting the best out of me at the minute. If I keep working hard, keep listening to the manager, then hopefully I can keep getting on the scoresheet.

“He’s just non-stop. He always wants me to improve. If I score in the top corner, he tells me I need to put it bottom corner!

“He always wants more because he knows the quality we have in the dressing room and he always thinks there’s a higher ceiling to reach. 

“I love that technique and I’m repaying his faith at the moment. Long may it continue.”

Everton switched defence into attack in a flash for Townsend’s equaliser midway through the second half.

After a United corner was cleared, Demarai Gray fought off Fred before blazing clear down the left flank.

He then found Abdoulaye Doucoure and the Frenchman played a perfectly-weighted pass into Townsend, who hammered a shot hard and low past David de Gea.

“The goal was amazing,” Townsend said.

“Dimi doing what Dimi does best, on the counter-attack using his pace and power, then as soon as Doucs got it… I know with the quality and vision he has he’d put it in my path.

“Thankfully, on this occasion, I managed to keep my composure and put it in the bottom corner.”

On his Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired celebration, Townsend explained: “The guy is my idol.

“I spent hours on the training pitch trying to execute his techniques

“Maybe I should have spent a bit longer practising his celebration because it wasn’t a great execution!

“But it was a bit of respect to Cristiano. It’s an honour to be on the same field as him.”