Manchester United dropped points again. After losing to Everton, it is still far from qualifying for the Champions League

The first match of the 32nd round of the Premier League on Saturday was a clash of two struggling teams. Manchester United came to Goodison Park, having fallen out of the European Cup places due to poor form. But even worse off before the clash was Everton, who are struggling for salvation.

Marcus Rashford was the first to put the away team in a better position. However, the 24-year-old winger failed to beat goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in the 9th minute. Rashford’s header three minutes later ended with the same result.

And so came the penalty on the other side of the pitch. Anthony Gordon’s shot from outside the box was crossed by United captain Harry Maguire out of David de Gea’s reach for the only goal of the game. Richarlison could have increased Everton’s lead by the end of the first half, but this time his attempt under the crossbar was caught by the Spanish goalkeeper. There was then an initial substitution before the break, with Paul Pogba replacing Fred.

The game, which was played at a good pace, did not produce a goal in the second half. Despite having possession of the ball for most of the game, Manchester United could not equalise. This was mainly because the visiting players lacked more quality in finishing. In the whole game they could only send two shots between the three posts. Cristiano Ronaldo could at least have scored in stoppage time, but he headed into the middle of the box to a ready Pickford.

The Old Trafford side have won only one of their last five Premier League games, against Tottenham on 12 March. The Red Devils, who were knocked out by Atlético Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals, are in contention for a place in the upcoming edition of Europe’s most prestigious club competition. They are currently three points behind fourth-placed Spurs, who have a game in hand.

Everton, on the other hand, helped their situation with today’s win. They hold on to the unrelegated 17th position and even if Burnley beat last-placed Norwich tomorrow, The Toffees will stay above the relegation zone after this round.

Source: Premier League