Manchester United slumped to a 2-1 loss at Stoke in the Premier League on Saturday to puncture the optimism generated by Juan Mata's arrival and leave the reigning champions with a huge task to finish in the Champions League positions. United's eighth defeat of a wretched campaign means Liverpool, which currently occupies the fourth and final Champions League place, could go nine points clear of its fierce rival by beating West Bromwich Albion on Sunday. Charlie Adam scored both of Stoke's goals at Britannia Stadium either side of Robin van Persie's equalizer, with a miserable day for United capped by first-half injuries to center halves Jonny Evans and Phil Jones that forced them off. Everton beat Aston Villa 2-1 to climb to fifth above Tottenham, which drew 1-1 at Hull. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at@AO_Sportsand on Facebook atAhramOnlineSports.) http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/93217.aspx