Manchester United Keeps Top Six Hopes Alive with Win Over Newcastle United
Manchester United came into its home game against Newcastle United with nine defeats at Old Trafford this season, its equal-worst in club history. The Red Devils have never lost 10 games at Old Trafford in one season before and needed a positive result against Newcastle to keep that statistic alive. Manchester United got the job done with a 3-2 win, with goals from Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo, and Rasmus Hojlund. Andre Onana played an immense role in keeping the Magpies at bay, making five saves in the win.
Newcastle dominated the first 30 minutes, but Manchester United struck first in the 31st minute. Mainoo was picked out by Diallo, who placed his shot perfectly past Martin Dubravka. The Magpies came close to leveling the game right before halftime, as Casemiro cleared Dan Burn’s header off the line. After the first 45 minutes of play, Newcastle had 58 percent of the ball and seven shots, while Manchester had nine shots and two big chances, one being the goal.
The Magpies came out of the locker room with energy, as Anthony Gordon scored his 12th goal of the season to make it a 1-1 contest. With Alexander Isak hitting the crossbar, Newcastle pushed for a go-ahead goal, but the Red Devils retook the lead. Off the corner kick, the ball fell perfectly to Diallo, who hit it off the volley to find the back of the net. It was Diallo’s second goal of the season and first in the Premier League.
Newcastle was again on the front foot, with Sean Longstaff, Joelinton, and Miguel Almiron all getting close to scoring. Manchester put the nail in the coffin with a consolation goal from Hojlund, who blasted his shot through the legs of Lewis Hall to secure the win. Hall scored about eight minutes later, but it did not matter as the Red Devils earned their 17th win of the season.
Chelsea moved into the top six after defeating Brighton 2-1 to improve to 60 points. Newcastle and Manchester are both three points behind Chelsea, meaning that it will go down to the final day of the season to see who finishes sixth to secure qualification to the Europa Conference League. Manchester has a negative three-goal difference, while Newcastle has a positive 21 and Chelsea has a positive 13.
