Manchester United did their part in the top four chase by claiming a hard-fought three points away to Bournemouth.
United went into the game a point clear of Liverpool, but knew six points from their remaining three fixtures would be enough to lock in a top four finish even if the Jurgen Klopp's side also earned maximum points. They set out like a team determined to get the first three of those on the South Coast, dominating the opening 45 minutes and leading at the break through Casemiro's acrobatic volley.
They had chances to increase their lead before the break, but Bournemouth got back into the game in the second period. In the end, United found themselves hanging on a little, but they won't mind too much after holding on for the win which - coupled with Liverpool's dropped points - means Champions League football is just one point away.
Erik ten Hag's side welcomed Raphael Varane back into the fold for the trip to the Vitality Stadium, with the Frenchman having been much missed during his recent absence. There was no return for Marcus Rashford, though, with the forward ruled out through illness.
The goals needed to come from elsewhere, and it was Casemiro who stepped up inside the first 10 minutes. The Brazilian had already tried a potshot from distance before making a late run into the box, meeting a lofted Christian Eriksen pass with an emphatic acrobatic volley into the top corner.
Bournemouth created more in the second period, with Kieffer Moore coming off the bench to cause problems, but Gary O'Neil's side couldn't find the goal they needed. Here are Mirror Football ' s talking points as United kept their Champions League push on track.
1. Varane's return
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It's been no secret that Man Utd's shaky end to the season has come at a time of defensive uncertainty. Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez have both found themselves on the sidelines of late, but the Frenchman returned to the starting line-up against Bournemouth.
While Luke Shaw has been an able deputy at the heart of the defence, his move into the centre meant United lost the balance provided by the England man. With Shaw back on the left, though this returned.
It wasn't the toughest game for Varane, with Bournemouth struggling to gain a foothold. He'll argue his presence in the side played a part in that, though, and a calm late interception to stop a dangerous Cherries break spoke to that.
2. Rashford missed
Erik ten Hag's front-line has been fluid for much of the season, with players changing positions both between and during games. On this occasion, the line-up suggested Jadon Sancho would start left with Bruno Fernandes through the middle, though the pair alternated for an early chance.
United have tried different things when Marcus Rashford has been available, no team-mate has adequately replaced his threat from the left on a consistent basis. The central threat without him has also been questionable, and on this occasion Anthony Martial was close to anonymous before making way for Wout Weghorst.
Sub striker Weghorst was after his first Premier League goal since joining in January, and it needed a sharp Neto save to deny him shortly after the hour mark. It was a frustrating outing for the man he replaced, though, with Martial seen shaking his head as he walked down the tunnel.
3. Brooks a welcome sight
David Brooks missed Bournemouth's promotion push last season, but declared himself cancer free in May 2022. After working his way back to match-fitness, the Welshman returned to action in March and made his first start of the season against United.
"I never once doubted that I wanted to get back, I always aspired to get back since the diagnosis," the 25-year-old said after his return.
The start came after four substitute appearances, and he looked keen to get right into the thick of things early on. He stung the palms of David de Gea early in the second half, too, and regularly found space at the sharp end of the field.
Brooks made way for Kieffer Moore shortly before the hour mark, having nearly doubled his minutes for the season. With a full pre-season behind him, he may well be able to contribute a great deal more next term.
4. De Gea rebounds well
Erik ten Hag has repeatedly spoken about his hopes for David de Gea to extend his Old Trafford stay, and high-profile recent mistakes haven't changed that. The Spaniard attempted to show his struggles against Sevilla and West Ham haven't affected him, pulling out a sharp save in an otherwise quiet first half to keep Dominic Solanke at bay.
Some Man Utd fans will have an eye on a different goalkeeper ahead of the new campaign, whether that's a current Premier League starter such as David Raya or someone from outside the league. Some may even feel it's time to give Dean Henderson a run, with the Englishman impressing on loan at Nottingham Forest before injury struck.
In truth, Neto was the busier of the two keepers, keeping his team in the game. However, that meant De Gea needed to be at his alert best to deny Kieffer Moore what could have been a late leveller.
5. Champions League incoming
As half-time whistles sounded across the country, Man Utd were 45 minutes away from a top four finish. Their lead - combined with Liverpool trailing at the break - meant that if things stayed the same then Champions League football would be guaranteed.
Liverpool's game against Aston Villa wasn't without its flashpoints, though. Ollie Watkins missed a penalty for Unai Emery's side, while Liverpool - who had a goal chalked off - felt they should have been a man up after a Tyrone Mings foul on Cody Gakpo.
Moments after the final whistle blew at Old Trafford, Liverpool prepared to enter 10 minutes of added time chasing a winner after Roberto Firmino's equaliser. That elusive goal didn't come, though, and now just one more point will be enough for Erik ten Hag's men.
United's last two games aren't the easiest, though they'll feel they should be capable of getting the better of Chelsea and Fulham if they play to their potential. Still, anything that takes the pressure off will always be welcome at this stage in the season.
