MANCHESTER UNITED have set up a blockbuster final day after beating Newcastle 3-2 at Old Trafford.
Kobbie Mainoo put the hosts ahead before Anthony Gordon levelled the scoring.
But Amad Diallo grabbed a crucial second and Rasmus Hojlund scored United’s third which turned out to be the winner after Lewis Hall’s sensational strike set up a nervy ending.
- RESULT: Man Utd 3-2 Newcastle
- Live stream: NOW TV
- TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event / Premier League
- Man Utd XI: Onana, Dalot, Casemiro, Evans, Wan-Bissaka, Mainoo, Amrabat, Fernandes, McTominay, Garnacho, Diallo
- Newcastle XI: Dubravka, Trippier, Krafth, Burn, Hall, Longstaff, Bruno Guimaraes, Anderson, J Murphy, Isak, Gordon
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That’s all from Old Trafford
Manchester United got the better of Newcastle United this evening – but they’ll need to better them again on Sunday too if they are to creep into seventh position.
Both the Red Devils and the Toon are locked together on 57 points with one game remaining as Man Utd head to Brenford, while Newcastle are at Brighton.
Eddie Howe’s team currently occupy seventh with a superior goal difference, and look on course for European football unless Erik ten Hag can either overhaul them or win the FA Cup.
In other words, there are still plenty of twists and turns, and you can follow all of them on the Premier League final day with us here at SunSport.
Until then, thanks for joining us and goodnight.
Extra! Read all about it!
Before we draw a line under tonight’s entertainment, let’s relive the Old Trafford action with Neil Custis’ match report of Manchester United’s 3-2 victory over Newcastle.
Erik ten Hag keeps telling everyone the future is bright for Manchester United. It is just the present that continues to be a problem. But on a night when Kobbie Mainoo and Amad Diallo gave the Red Devils a chance of European football next season you can at least see glimmers of hope.
Neil Custis
United still enjoying teenage kicks
They may not be winning anything with kids these days, but Manchester United are still producing youngsters capable of finding the back of the net.
Kobbie Mainoo’s goal tonight was the 10th strike to have been scored by a teenager for the Red Devils in the Premier League this season (Alejandro Garnacho 7 and Mainoo 3).
Only in two previous campaigns have United had more Premier League goals scored by teens after 11 in 2019-20, and 15 in 2004-05.
Gordon blasts video officials
A bruised Anthony Gordon hit out at VAR after being denied what he felt was a clear first half penalty at Old Trafford.
The Newcastle winger was floored when through on goal, and although Casemiro won the ball with a clean tackle, the challenge came after Sofyan Amrabat had caught Gordon on the ankle with his studs, ripping open his opponent’s sock.
After the game, the Newcastle forward revealed he didn’t overly appeal at the time as he was so confident that Jarred Gillett on video duty would overturn the decision.
I have watched it back and it is a clear penalty. I don’t mind the referee getting it wrong on the pitch because it all happens fast, but I don’t understand the point of VAR. [Sofyan Amrabat] goes down my Achilles and pushes me in the back. I knew straight away, and that is why I didn’t appeal. I waited for VAR to check and told my teammates ‘don’t worry, it’s a clear penalty.’ I don’t understand the point of it. Either get rid of it or get better – it’s that simple.
Anthony Gordon
Rasmus role as super sub
After three starts without a goal, Rasmus Hojlund began tonight’s contest on the bench – but came off the bench to make a match-winning impact.
Hojlund’s goal was his first in the Premier League as a substitute, and came just 106 seconds after his introduction.
Only seven players have scored quicker goals as subs in the top-flight this season.
Ten Hag salutes Old Trafford faithful
At full time, an emotional and proud Erik ten Hag headed for the centre circle to address the Manchester United fans.
Speaking into a microphone, the Dutch coach showed his gratitude to the Old Trafford faithful.
“On behalf of the players, staff and myself, I want to thank you all for the brilliant support you have given us during this season,” he said.
“As you know, it wasn’t an easy season, but one thing remained constant and that was the backing of you for the team.
“Thank you. You are the best supporters in the world.”
This season is not over yet. First, we go to Brighton for three points, and then we go to Wembley. And I promise you, these players will give everything to get that cup and bring it to Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag
Match stats from Old Trafford
Thirty-eight shots, 16 on target, and 78 touches inside the area.
It hasn’t been a quiet end to the season at Old Trafford.
Full time – Man Utd 3-2 Newcastle
The final whistle goes, and Erik ten Hag lets out a huge smile before acknowledging Eddie Howe and his staff.
If this is to be his last Old Trafford game as Manchester United manager, he has at least gone out on an entertaining and dramatic high.
Both players – one group joyous, the other crushed – head off to applaud their respective supporters as another Premier League season nears its conclusion.
They may be facing different opponents on the final day, but these two clubs will again be battling it out on Sunday to see who will finish in seventh position with the potential of European football.
Man Utd 3-2 Newcastle
90+4. Suddenly, the atmosphere inside the stadium is slightly nervy…
…but the United players are standing firm to everything that Newcastle throw at them.
Two minutes remain.
Man Utd 3-2 Newcastle
90+2. It’s not over yet!
Lewis Hall has scored his second goal of the season, and it’s his second for Newcastle at Old Trafford.
The former Chelsea youngster netted a cracker here in the Carabao Cup, and he may have just topped that with this excellent effort.
A corner from the right is cleared to the left-back outside of the box, where he takes one touch to steady himself and then another to send a crisp left-footer back past the despairing dive of Andre Onana.
Can Newcastle now find an equaliser?
Hall pulls one back!
Man Utd 3-1 Newcastle
90. There will be six minutes of stoppage time to be played.
Surely even Manchester United can’t blow it from here?
Surely?
Man Utd 3-1 Newcastle – Man Utd substitution
88. For the first time this season, Old Trafford is rocking.
Bruno Fernandes takes his leave to a standing ovation, and on is Christian Eriksen in his place.
The departing captan has been excellent on his return this evening.
Man Utd 3-1 Newcastle – Amrabat yellow card
86. Another booking, and another player looking perplexed.
Sofyan Amrabat is cautioned for bundling over Harvey Barnes, but there really wasn’t much in it.
Man Utd 3-1 Newcastle
84. Three goals and three points for Manchester United!
Substitute Rasmus Hojlund has barely been on for 100 seconds, but he’s sealed victory his side with a first class finish.
The Dane shrugs off the challenge of Dan Burn and Lewis before rifling a right-footer across Martin Dubravka and into the bottom left corner.
Instant impact!
Man Utd 2-1 Newcastle – Man Utd treble substitution
82. Here come attackers Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund…
…and there’s an even bigger cheer for the Old Trafford return of Lisandro Martinez.
The trio are on for Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo.
Man Utd 2-1 Newcastle – Diallo yellow card
80. Ten to go, and it appears as though Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund are going to get a run out.
Meanwhile, Amad Diallo is the latest to be booked for a shirt tug on Gordon.
Man Utd 2-1 Newcastle – Schar yellow card
78. Fabian Schar off the bench…
…and into the referee’s notebook.
The defender is cautioned for plundering into Bruno Fernandes. It’s a tackle evident of some rustiness from the recently absent centre-back.
Man Utd 2-1 Newcastle
76. Casemiro almost pops up with a headed goal of his own that would have had all of us fooled into thinking that United’s search for both a competent centre-back and a prolific scorer were over.
Man Utd 2-1 Newcastle
73. Martin Dubravka is having a very confusing game.
He seems to get himself behind most shots and crosses, but then struggles to do anything competent from those perfect positions.
Man Utd 2-1 Newcastle
71. Gordon! So close to another equaliser!
The Newcastle winger has a new lease of life after his night looked over earlier, and almost brings the visitors level.
He skips effortlessly beyond his man in the area, and the fires a shot across goal that isn’t accurate enough to find the corner, and is also too powerful to be turned in by the sliding Almiron.
Man Utd 2-1 Newcastle
69. Players on both sides this evening have delivered some wonderful, teasing crosses into the penalty area…
…only to find there isn’t an attacking teammate in sight.
The latest to shrug their shoulders after putting an opportunity on a plate is Bruno Fernandes, whose curling cross from the right is absolutely perfect – for nobody.
Man Utd 2-1 Newcastle – Gordon yellow card
67. Anthony Gordon blots his copybook with a yellow card for a pull of Diallo’s shirt.
Fantasy Premier League players around the country moan and groan as one.
Man Utd 2-1 Newcastle
65. That Diallo thunderbolt hasn’t stopped this game surging one way and then the other.
Bruno Fernandes is wayward with his most recent effort, and then Longstaff’s header is tipped over the crossbar by Onana.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
