Manchester United's next six Premier League fixtures compared with Aston Villa and Tottenham

Manchester United moved to within three points of fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur with a 2-0 triumph over Everton at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon.

First half penalties from Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford sealed a much-needed return to winning ways for Erik ten Hag's side. They rode their luck at times, but did enough to get themselves over the line and bounce back from last weekend's 3-1 reverse to Manchester City.

The victory has moved United to within eight points of fourth-placed Aston Villa and the final Champions League berth. Villa face Tottenham at Villa Park this Sunday lunchtime, meaning one of them, at the very least, is guaranteed to drop points.

READ MORE: United player ratings vs Everton as Alejandro Garnacho impresses

READ MORE: Wayne Rooney compares Kobbie Mainoo to former United ace and World Cup winner

Though United are still facing an uphill struggle to finish inside the top four, they have, at the very latest, closed the gap, even if just temporarily. So MEN Sport has had a quick glance at United's next six league fixtures in comparison to those of their nearest rivals.

Verdict: With the FA Cup taking centre stage next weekend, United now have a lengthy wait until they are next in Premier League action, with an international break before then. United will face a series of different assignments following the pause, including a clash with Liverpool at Old Trafford.

The trips to Brentford and Bournemouth are potential banana skins, while the clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on April 4 will be far from straightforward. Of United's next six, only the Old Trafford clash with Burnley at the end of next month could be described as a banker.

Verdict: Villa's upcoming games look tricky as