Manchester United secured a crucial 2-0 victory against Everton at Old Trafford, overcoming an early setback as Everton conceded two first-half penalties.
Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford calmly converted from the spot, adding to Everton's woes and extending their winless streak in the Premier League to 11 games.
The win revived United's Champions League aspirations for the next season, bringing them within eight points of fourth-placed Aston Villa and three points behind fifth-placed Tottenham.
Everton, on the other hand, find themselves perilously close to the relegation zone, holding just a five-point gap with two more games played than 18th-placed Luton.
The turning point in the game came through Alejandro Garnacho, whose quick footwork drew two crucial penalties. The first spot-kick was earned when James Tarkowski mistimed a challenge on Garnacho, allowing Fernandes to score his eighth goal of the season.
The second penalty saw Garnacho dance through challenges before being brought down by Ben Godfrey, with Rashford stepping up and confidently slotting home.
Despite Everton's attempts to find the back of the net, including a notable effort by Dwight McNeil and a save by Andre Onana denying James Garner, they were unable to capitalise on their chances.
Jordan Pickford made crucial saves to keep the score down, denying Fernandes a free-kick and a low drive. Garnacho, who was instrumental in earning the penalties, missed several opportunities to add to his goal tally.
United's defence, once again vulnerable, faced 20 attempts from Everton, but the Toffees failed to convert any of them into goals.
In stoppage time, Everton's luck held as an offside flag spared them from conceding a potential third penalty when Rashford was brought down by Jarrad Branthwaite.
The win for Manchester United marked a significant step in their quest for a top-four finish, while Everton's struggles in front of goal and defensive lapses continued, leaving them in a precarious position in the Premier League standings.
