Liverpool handed Premier League blow as late goal settles stale Everton vs. Man United game

Manchester United traveled to Merseyside on Monday for its first-ever game at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium - with the outcome key for Liverpool's chances of securing a Champions League spot

Liverpool's hopes of securing a Champions League spot suffered a major blow after Manchester United beat Everton

Choosing a prefered winner when Manchester United and Everton lock horns is never a straightforward choice for Liverpool fans.

The Reds, of course, have bitter rivalries with both their nearest neighbours and the country's other historical trophy-winning behemoth. But on Monday, when United traveled to the Hill Dickson Stadium for the first time, the choice was clear: Liverpool supporters were rooting for Everton.

Sadly, on the occasion, it was United that came away with a hard-earned three points. Benjamin Sesko's late strike proved to be the only goal of the game and continued the excellent form of Michael Carrick's side, as the interim head coach retains his unbeaten record.

United had watched this weekend as Aston Villa, Chelsea and Liverpool had mixed fortunes in the race for the top five places.

Villa and Chelsea drew against relegation-threatened sides, while Liverpool was fortune to come away from the City Ground with a victory when it faced another club peering ominously down the table.

Those results left Liverpool, Chelsea and United all level on 45 points, six behind Villa in third, before Monday's game, But the Red Devils' one-goal victory on the banks of the Mersey changed that picture, with United moving clear of Chelsea and Liverpool and into fourth.

It was a low-quality but feisty affair at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, with neither goalkeeper overly tested. There were only six shots on target, but it was Sesko's that ultimately decided the outcome of this game.

He finished off a slick counter from United in the 71st minute as Matheus Cunha's pinpoint long ball picked out Byran Mbuemo at the other end of the pitch, who took a touch to control and then perfectly teed up Sesko for a first time beyond Jordan Pickford. The Slovenian is certainly thriving under Carrick and that was his third goal in the last four games.

It was United's only real chance of significance, other than an Amad effort that was cleared off the line by James Tarkowski after three minutes.

The Toffees put in another assured defensive showing that was lacking in attacking fluidity, as has often been the case this season. They did push to find a late equalizer and went close with efforts from distance via Michael Keane and Tyrique George, which forced saves from Senne Lammens.

But ultimately, United held on to take a crucial three points. Unbeaten in 10 games, Liverpool knows catching its rivals will be tough.