Manchester United raise hopes for Champions League

By Fatih Erel

ISTANBUL (AA) - Manchester United beat Watford 3-0 in Sunday's English Premier League match to raise their hopes for returning to the UEFA Champions League next season.

Man Utd's new signing Bruno Fernandes from Portugal scored the opener by a penalty kick in the 42nd minute at Old Trafford.

This was Fernandes' first goal for Manchester United.

French forward Anthony Martial doubled the gap for Manchester United after a solo effort in the 58th minute.

The home team's 18-year-old English forward Mason Greenwood made it 3-0, firing a powerful shot in the 75th minute.

Following this win, Manchester United moved up to the fifth place with 41 points.

Once the 2019-2020 season ends in May, the best four clubs in the Premier League will automatically be in the Champions League next season.

The second-placed Manchester City also edged out Leicester City 1-0, Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus netted the winning goal in the 80th minute at King Power Stadium, Leicester.

Man City have 57 points, while Leicester City are in the third place with 50 points. The two teams have been fighting for the runner-up position.

Leaders Liverpool will face West Ham United on Monday. Having a dreamlike season, Liverpool -- still unbeaten -- have 76 points in 26 matches.

Liverpool have long craved a Premier League triumph as they last grabbed it three decades ago, in 1990.