Rashford injury sours routine Man United win over Everton
Manchester United moved closer to a return to the Champions League next season as Scott McTominay and Anthony Martial scored in a 2-0 win over Everton at Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag's men move up to third place, with a six-point lead over fifth-placed Tottenham.
The three points came at a cost, however, as Marcus Rashford hobbled off nine minutes from time, which could be a major setback in the Red Devils' quest for more silverware in the FA Cup and Europa League this season.
Only Jordan Pickford and some sloppy United finishing kept Everton from being buried even before the half-time whistle, as the Toffees did nothing to help their chances of avoiding the drop.
Sean Dyche's men are only a goal difference away from relegation and could drop into the bottom three if other results go against them on Saturday.
Ten Hag bemoaned his team's reliance on Rashford for goals after the England international scored his 28th of the season in Wednesday's 1-0 win over Brentford.
Rashford, on the other hand, had a rare off day in front of goal before appearing to pull up with a groin injury.
Pickford dived low to his left to deny his international colleague in one-on-one action before Rashford headed his next big chance wide.
After a well-worked corner, Antony hit the post, and Aaron Wan Bissaka somehow skewed the rebound wide with the goal gaping.
- Martial advantage -
Everton's revival under Dyche has been built on defensive solidity, but the Toffees were unable to stop United's constant flow of chances.
Pickford stood tall to save another one-on-one from Antony before sprinting from his goal to deny Rashford.
McTominay, who has been in fine scoring form for Scotland, netted his first Premier League goal of the season on 36 minutes.
Jadon Sancho took advantage of the midfielder's run into the box and smashed the ball past Pickford at the near post.
After the break, Everton stemmed the tide towards their own goal, but they still needed their goalkeeper to keep the score low, as Bruno Fernandes had a header tipped over.
United's inability to convert their dominance into goals highlighted the need for a new number nine, but Martial's return to fitness is a welcome boost as the season enters its final two months.
Everton's hopes of a comeback were dashed when Seamus Coleman was robbed by Rashford, who squared for the Frenchman to tap home his first goal since February.
Christian Eriksen returned from an ankle injury for the final 13 minutes, but that was quickly overshadowed by Rashford limping gingerly around the pitch and down the tunnel ahead of a crucial fortnight for United.
Over the next two midweeks, they face Sevilla in the Europa League quarter-finals before traveling to Wembley to face Brighton in the FA Cup semi-finals on April 23.
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