Manchester United’s chances of a place in the Premier League’s top four have been hurt after a 1-0 defeat by a struggling Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday.
Anthony Gordon’s first-half strike proved victorious as Everton secured a crucial victory in the battle for relegation.
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The result means that Ralf Rangnick’s team has not won the third game in a row in all competitions and remains seventh in the table.
It was a mighty win for Frank Lampard’s side who moved four points clear of the relegation zone with fellow contenders Burnley.
The visitors started well and Marcus Rashford made two stunning saves from Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in the first 15 minutes.
United dominated but Everton took the lead after 26 minutes against the flow of play when Gordon’s shot was deflected off Harry Maguire and David de Gea the wrong foot.
The hosts began to grow into the game after the goal and almost doubled their lead after 35 minutes, but De Gea saved a deflected shot from Richarlison.
Everton frustrated United in the second half as both teams didn’t create many clear chances.
Cristiano Ronaldo forced a late save from Pickford but United were disappointing after the break and Everton clinched a deserved win.
Everton are four points clear of 18th Burnley, who travel to Norwich City on Sunday.
Rangnick announced the changes but it had little effect as United headed for another disappointing end to the season – five years without a trophy come to the end of this season and nine years since their last league win.