Manchester United clinched a crucial 2-0 win against Everton at Old Trafford, capitalizing on two first-half penalties to maintain their hopes of securing a Champions League spot for the next season.
Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford were clinical from the spot, condemning Everton to their 11th consecutive winless Premier League match.
With this victory, Manchester United closed the gap to fourth-placed Aston Villa to just eight points and are now only three points behind fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur.
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Everton, on the other hand, finds themselves dangerously close to the relegation zone, sitting just five points above 18th-placed Luton Town, having played two games more.
Despite back-to-back defeats against Fulham and Manchester City, Manchester United capitalized on Everton’s defensive errors to secure the win. Alejandro Garnacho was instrumental in winning the penalties, drawing fouls with his quick footwork.
The first penalty came in the 10th minute when James Tarkowski fouled Garnacho, allowing Fernandes to calmly convert. Just minutes later, Garnacho was brought down by Ben Godfrey, and Rashford confidently dispatched the penalty to double United’s lead.
Despite Everton’s efforts, they struggled to create clear-cut chances, with their best opportunity coming from Dwight McNeil, whose shot narrowly missed the target. Goalkeeper Andre Onana denied James Garner’s effort to keep Everton at bay.
Manchester United had opportunities to extend their lead further, with Fernandes and Garnacho missing chances, but Everton’s lack of cutting edge in front of goal spared United from conceding.
In stoppage time, Everton survived a scare when Rashford was fouled by Jarrad Branthwaite, but the offside flag came to their rescue, preventing United from converting a potential third penalty.
The win keeps Manchester United’s Champions League aspirations alive, while Everton faces a tough battle to avoid relegation as their winless run continues.