Manchester United's next six Premier League fixtures…

Manchester United's next six Premier League fixtures compared to Newcastle, Tottenham and Liverpool

Manchester United maintained their place in the top-four on Saturday with a much-deserved 2-0 win at home to Everton.

Goals from Scott McTominay and Anthony Martial settled it for the Reds, although the scoreline may have looked far more comfortable, had they taken one of several golden first-half chances. Erik ten Hag's side cut through an unusually leaky Toffees outfit with ease, Marcus Rashford and Antony both wasting good opportunities before McTominay handed them an inevitable lead.

Everton grew into the game but lacked any cutting edge, Seamus Coleman eventually making the mistake that saw Rashford lay on Martial for United's second of the day. However the Reds top goalscorer pulled up with what looked to be a groin issue not long after, limping down the tunnel to much concern around Old Trafford.

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On a day when both Newcastle and Tottenham won tough games, United's three points at lunchtime looked all the more important come 5pm, while defeat for Brighton and a draw with table-topping Arsenal for Liverpool have opened up a gap to the outside challengers.

Here are United's next six fixtures compared with those of their nearest rivals.

Manchester United - 4th (56pts)

Nottingham Forest (A) - April 16
Tottenham Hotspur (A) - April 27
Aston Villa (H) - April 30
Brighton & Hove Albion (A) - May 4
West Ham United (A) - May 7
Wolves (H) - May 13

Verdict: Away form continues to be an issue for United, which makes the above schedule a slight concern. Ten Hag's men have won just six of their 14 games on the road this season - only seventh best in the league - and have lost three of their last four. Against current top-half sides, they have lost six of seven.

Trips to Tottenham and Brighton in the next six, then, will need to see a change in the trend, while away-days at Nottingham Forest and West Ham must see the Reds make the most of their superiority against sides enduring dismal seasons.

At home, it has been a different picture entirely, with 11 wins and three draw from 15 in the league. Aston Villa at the end of this month will present a tough challenge, given their incredible form, but if United are serious about top-four then they will be aiming for six points against them and Wolves.

Newcastle United - 3rd (56pts)