Manchester United returned to their inconsistent form, losing 1-0 to host Everton, who are threatened with relegation, on Saturday during the 31st round of the English Premier League, reducing their chances of qualifying for the Champions League. While the top four teams from the Premier League qualify for the prestigious continental competition, United remained stuck at 51 points from 31 matches, in a disappointing seventh place for the record-holding 20-time league champions. United, who had previously won against Tottenham and drawn with Leicester in their last two matches, suffered their eighth defeat of the season and fell three points behind fifth-placed Arsenal, who played one match less and face 13th-placed Brighton later.
On the other hand, Everton, led by former international midfielder Frank Lampard, breathed a sigh of relief after losing six of their last seven matches before Saturday’s encounter, raising their points total to 28, sitting in 17th place on the brink of the relegation zone, four points ahead of Burnley, who play on Sunday away at Norwich.
Lampard started the match under intense pressure to avoid his first relegation since 1954 after earning only six points in nine matches since replacing Spaniard Rafael Benitez. After two attempts from returning player Marcus Rashford were saved by Everton keeper Jordan Pickford, Everton took the lead against the run of play through young winger Anthony Gordon, who unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the area that deflected off defender Harry Maguire and deceived Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea (27).
In the second half, attempts by Rashford and returning Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo in the closing minutes did not pay off, as the match ended in favor of the blue team and their local fans, achieving their second consecutive home win after two losses at West Ham and Burnley. As Chelsea in third, Arsenal in fifth, and Tottenham in fourth play later, all eyes are on the highly anticipated clash on Sunday between reigning champions Manchester City and guests Liverpool, who trail by just one point.
