Ronaldo powerless as Man United hand Everton survival lifeline

Sports Desk, Apr 9 (EFE).- Manchester United’s disappointing season continued on Saturday as they slipped to a 1-0 defeat at Everton who secured a much-needed three points in their fight to avoid the drop.

Cristiano Ronaldo, returning from illness, was a peripheral figure throughout for United, who lacked the required offensive spark and failed to match the home team’s energy in a match that was low on quality or clear cut chances.

Everton scored the game’s only goal midway through the first half as Anthony Gordon’s shot from the edge of the box deflected off the hapless Harry Maguire to wrongfoot David de Gea.

While United enjoyed most of the possession, they rarely threatened Jordan Pickford in the Everton goal, and it was the home team that looked likelier to score as the game drew to a close in front of a raucous home crowd.

The win sees Everton open up a 4-point gap to Burnley in 18th ahead of their crucial relegation clash against Norwich on Sunday, while United continue to languish in seventh, well short of the Champions League places that increasingly look beyond their reach this season. EFE

spo-ks