Everton inflicted a huge blow on Manchester United's top four hopes with a 1-0 win at Goodison Park on Saturday afternoon.
The Toffees took the lead in the first half when Anthony Gordon's sizzling strike deflected off captain Harry Maguire. It was a frustrating goal for Ralf Rangnick's side to concede, as they started the game on top.
United pushed for an equaliser but couldn't find the net. The result leaves the Red Devils in seventh, three points behind Tottenham in fourth. Here, Mirror Football list the main talking points on a frustrating afternoon in Merseyside for the visitors.
United's top four hopes fading
Arsenal's shock 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on Monday evening opened the door for United to reignite their Champions League dream. It was imperative they defeated struggling Everton to move level on points with the Gunners and fourth-place Tottenham.
And United made a promising start at Goodison Park. They dictated the play from the outset, as the Toffees allowed them to have the bulk of the possession and opportunities. Rangnick's side failed to take advantage, however, and were exposed on the counter.
The threat of Gordon, Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin always loomed and it came to fruition in the 27th minute when Gordon's deflected effort nestled in the back of David de Gea's net. It was an early blow - but not the final nail in United's top-four coffin.
United tried to find an equaliser throughout the second half, yet were thwarted by some brilliant defending from Everton. Pickford also produced a superb last-minute save from Cristiano Ronaldo, who failed to get his team out of trouble.
Let's hope Erik ten Hag - who's set to become the new Red Devils boss - likes Thursday nights!
Will Manchester United qualify for the Champions League? Let us know in the comments below!
Rashford fails to take chance
Marcus Rashford was surprisingly restored to United's line-up after starting just one of the previous six domestic games. It was a historic moment for the 24-year-old, becoming the youngest player in the club's history to make 200 Premier League appearances.
And he looked bright from the outset, testing Pickford with a sharp effort in the ninth minute. The Everton goalkeeper denied Rashford again a few moments later, palming his header away from danger.
That was as good as it got for Rashford. He was hauled off in the 64th minute for Anthony Elanga, a decision that won't help his confidence. His time at United - and his hopes of playing in this year's World Cup - could soon be over.
Bruno's record ends
Much was expected of Bruno Fernandes on Saturday afternoon after his previous displays against Everton. The Portuguese ace had scored four goals and provided two assists in his last four Premier League outings against the Toffees.
He was on course to become the first United player to score in three consecutive games at Goodison Park since Ruud van Nistelrooy - yet that didn't look like happening when he wasted a good chance to counter early on. Fernandes never found his feet after that.
The 27-year-old has endured a tough season. He scored 40 goals in all competitions during his first 18 months at Old Trafford but has found the back of the net just nine times this term. United need his form to improve after giving him a new four-year deal.
Everton's position improves
The Toffees were desperate for a victory on Saturday afternoon following their midweek defeat to relegation rivals Burnley. Six months ago, the idea of Everton in the Championship was unthinkable. Yet it's since become an unavoidable topic on Merseyside.
So their victory against United will ease their relegation worries significantly. Lampard's side have opened up a four-point gap over the bottom three - and they're just two points behind Leeds in 16th with a game in hand. Belief has returned to Goodison Park.
It also drags more teams into danger - including Brighton, who are just six points behind the Toffees. A few months ago, Graham Potter's side were considered as European underdogs. Now they're looking over their shoulders - and it's not a nice view.
Gorgeous Gordon
If Lampard's side stay up, they won't look back on the 2021-22 campaign fondly. Yet there are always positives - and Everton fans can certainly celebrate the emergence of Gordon.
The local lad enjoyed another exceptional game on Saturday, showing the enthusiasm and passion required to get the Toffees out of this mess. Gordon's displays this season have put Everton's big-money stars to shame. Not bad for a 21-year-old.
Fans will be hoping Gordon is still at the club come September. Everton need to sell to ease their financial burden and he could be presented with some appealing opportunities this summer. One thing is for sure - Gordon deserves to remain a Premier League player.
