Rasmus Hojlund fired Manchester United to a late 2-1 win at Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League on Thursday, while Tottenham were held to a stalemate at Rangers.
Ruben Amorim's United side came from behind to best the Czech side thanks to a second-half brace by Danish striker Hojlund, they now sit seventh in the league phase standings.
"The win is important at the moment and it's good to prepare for the next game," United manager Amorim told TNT Sports.
A top-eight finish will see United qualify automatically for the round of 16, while finishing ninth to 24th will earn them a play-off tie to reach that stage.
Matej Vydra opened the scoring three minutes after half-time to stun United, before substitute Hojlund scored twice in the last half-hour to seize a vital three points for the English club.
The winner came two minutes from time when Bruno Fernandes cleverly slipped a free-kick into the 21-year-old's feet and he held off a defender before slipping home.
Elsewhere in the Europa League, Spurs drew 1-1 with Rangers in Glasgow.
The hosts sit in the final automatic qualification spot with Spurs one place below them, but both level on 11 points.
"We took the challenge with both hands, grabbed it and showed what we wanted them to show," said Rangers manager Philippe Clement.
"We deserved to win the game, but I think it was a very good advertisement for Scottish football to compete with a Premier League team at full strength."
A draw somewhat eases the pressure on Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou, after his side went into the match with just one win in their last seven outings in all competitions.
Rangers took the lead two minutes after the interval when Moroccan striker Hamza Igamane continued his fine start to life in Glasgow by netting
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