Marcus Rashford was back among the goals as Manchester United moved to within a point of Manchester City with a 1-0 win at the Etihad.
City lost both Raheem Sterling and Joe Hart to injury in the game, which is also bad news for England boss Roy Hodgson ahead of the upcoming friendlies against Germany and Netherlands.
United took the lead in the 16th minute through a brilliant piece of skill from Rashford. After being played in by Juan Mata, the 18-year-old left Martin Demichelis on the deck with a neat turn before coolly slotting past Hart.
City then lost Sterling just before the half-hour mark after he picked up a knock in a challenge with Mata.
United thought they should have had a penalty in first-half stoppage time when Demichelis appeared to step into Rashford’s path, but referee Michael Oliver waved away the claims. Players from both sides clashed over the incident but no player was booked.
Hart was forced off shortly after half-time after he was involved in a collision with Anthony Martial, who was chasing down Demichelis’ poor back pass.
City started to increase the pressure looking for an equaliser as Sergio Aguero headed against the post before Wilfried Bony missed his kick in front of goal.
But there was no way back into the game as United moved level on points with fifth-placed West Ham, and to within just one point of City in the final Champions League berth.
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