Manchester United bounced back from consecutive Premier League defeats by beating Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford to strengthen their bid for a top-four finish.
Erik ten Hag’s side had lost to Brighton and West Ham to give Liverpool – who were one point behind in fourth at the start of the day – hope of snatching a Champions League spot at their expense.
But Anthony Martial opened the scoring in the first half before Alejandro Garnacho added a second in stoppage time to secure a win that moved Manchester United four points clear of the Reds with three games remaining.
With Marcus Rashford out through injury, it looked like being a difficult day in front of goal for the hosts as they missed a number of decent chances, particularly through Antony.
The winger curled an effort just wide after racing into space before sending a header over from close range when unmarked.
But Antony provided the assist for the first-half breakthrough when he was played in by Bruno Fernandes and he unselfishly squared to Martial for the tap-in.
Antony had another opportunity to get on the scoresheet in the second half but he drove a shot just wide of the post after being set up by a Fernandes backheel.
However, substitute Garnacho finally got Manchester United’s second when he raced through in the fifth minute of stoppage time before firing past Dan Bentley in the Wolves goal.
The visitors rarely threatened as they finished the game without a shot on target.
Manchester United remain fourth but are level on 66 points with Newcastle in third. Wolves, meanwhile, are 13th.
