Manchester United’s top-four bid suffered another blow as Southampton hit back to earn a 1-1 draw, while Everton boosted their bid for Premier League survival with a vital 3-0 win against Leeds on Saturday.
Ralf Rangnick’s side took the lead through Jadon Sancho’s first Premier League goal at Old Trafford.
But, for the third consecutive game, United failed to build on their lead and were punished when Che Adams slotted in off the inside of the post two minutes into the second half.
United are level on points with fourth placed West Ham, but Arsenal are just a point behind with two games in hand, while Tottenham have played three fewer games and are four points back.
Cristiano Ronaldo was recalled by Rangnick after being dropped to the bench for a disappointing 1-1 draw at struggling Burnley on Tuesday.
But Ronaldo’s goal-drought extended to six games as United produced yet another erratic performance.
Rangnick had to cope with more leaks in the press this week that the United players are unhappy with his coaching techniques.
The interim boss admitted United need to play with more aggression if they are to keep their top four hopes alive.
“It was the third game where we were 1-0 up and I don’t think anyone out there should believe that the players don’t care,” Rangnick said.
“The question is with the group of players we have, how do we get more compact, more aggressive and even more nasty, it’s about defending a lead.
“This is the major issue but it’s not a question of the players not wanting to do that.”
At Goodison Park, Everton moved five points clear of the relegation zone with their first top-flight win under Frank Lampard.
Lampard’s side, who beat Brentford in the FA Cup in their new manager’s debut, took the lead in the 10th minute when Seamus Coleman met Donny van de Beek’s cross with a close-range header.
AFP
