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    Newcastle 2 Man Utd 0: Well-drilled Toon secure huge win in race for Champions League as hosts leapfrog United to go 3rd

    REVENGE was sweet for the Geordies as Newcastle moved into pole position to seal third at the expense of rotten Manchester United.The Toon Army’s big day out at Wembley was ruined in February when Erik Ten Hag’s side strolled to a 2-0 win in the Carabao Cup final.
    Newcastle are up to third after beating Man UtdCredit: Getty
    Joe Willock scored the opening goal to seal a 2-0 victory at St. James’ ParkCredit: Getty
    Things got even worse for Erik ten Hag late on despite a raft of changesCredit: EPA
    Newcastle’s Callum Wilson headed home a second late onCredit: AFP
    But with the bit between their teeth, Newcastle steamrollered the Red Devils to thoroughly deserve this potentially seismic three points.
    Thanks to second half goals from Joe Willock and Callum Wilson, Eddie Howe’s Mags leapfrog Manchester United into third as they go in search of a Champions League spot for the first time since 2003 under Sir Bobby Robson.
    Man United might be going great guns in the cups but their league form is stuttering. A 7-0 drubbing to Liverpool, a goalless draw at home to Southampton, and then this mauling which left Ten Hag shellshocked on the St James’ Park touchline.
    They remain a point of fifth-placed Tottenham with a game in hand yet, based on this evidence, they have a mammoth task on to finish inside the top four. 
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    After their mid-winter wobble, including that heartbreaking defeat at Wembley, Toon were back on the trail of a top four finish following two straight wins.
    The locals were all revved up and ready to go and Manchester United could have been three or four down at the break but for David de Gea and some woeful finishing.
    The Spanish keeper’s double save kept out Alexander Isak and Willock early doors. Willock really should have done better with the rebound from point-blank range, and there were a good 50,000 heads in hands inside St James’ when the midfielder blazed over with the goal gaping just before half time.  
    Lackluster Man United failed to muster a shot on target by the break, the first time they had done so this season.
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    But the locals would have feared a repeat of the Carabao Cup final nightmare, where their side started like a steam train too.
    It all seemed set up for attacking trio Marcus Rashford, Antony and Bruno Fernandes to come to life and burst the Geordie bubble, but it was more of the same in the second.
    Livewire Allan Saint-Maximin and his box of tricks had Diogo Dalot on toast all afternoon. With the indispensable Casemiro still suspended, Brazil buddy Bruno Guimaraes bossed the midfield against Scott McTominay and Marcel Sabitzer, while Wout Weghorst offered nowt up top.
    Ten Hag had seen enough with half an hour to go, hooking Antony and Weghorst.
    But the Dutchman was spitting feathers moments later when Newcastle took the lead via Willock after his sorry side were sliced and diced.
    Isak played in Guimaraes down the right hand side of the box, with the unmarked Samba star dinking it to the back post.
    Saint-Maximin nodded back across goal, Willock – making up for those earlier misses – headed home and the Gallowgate exploded.
    Toon sub Joelinton was only denied adding a second from a corner as the clock ticked on by a great De Gea save before Anthony Martial cleared Fabian Schar’s rebound on the line.
    But it was game over when sub Wilson got in front of Victor Lindelof to nod Kieran Trippier’s free kick home with two minutes remaining.  More

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    Gary Neville leads Man Utd fans venting their frustration at Erik ten Hag after leaving star man on bench vs Newcastle

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans were fuming that Fred did not start against Newcastle United.Erik ten Hag has a number of midfield issues due to Christian Eriksen’s long-term injury and the suspension of Casemiro.
    Fred was only named on the bench for Man Utd’s clash at NewcastleCredit: Getty
    Fans vented their fury at Erik ten Hag for leaving out the BrazilianCredit: Reuters
    Many expected the energetic Brazilian Fred to be named in the side to take on the Magpies.
    However, the 30-year-old was only named as substitute with Scott McTominay and Marcel Sabitzer preferred.
    United struggled to lay a glove on the Magpies throughout the opening period at St. James’ Park.
    And supporters soon took to Twitter to vent their anger at the absence of Fred as even United legend Neville, commentating on Sky Sports, also revealed his surprise at his omission.
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    And he was even “more amazed” not to see him introduced off the bench at half time or early into the second period before Newcastle took the lead.
    One fan fumed: “Seriously Ten Hag CANT be happy with how things are going!! His favorite is doing NOTHING. FRED HAS TO BE COMING ON!!! There’s Sabitzer/Fred EASILY cover up more ground!”
    Another wrote: “I was happy with the starting lineup, except for no AWB and Martial, but not much Ten Hag can do about that. But now this game is SCREAMING for Fred to make some chaos.”
    A fellow Red Devil said: “Ten hag needs to get fred on McTominay and anyone for weghorst asap.”
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    Another tweeted: “We desperately need Fred.”
    As another commented: “Ten hag has problem,it should have been sabitzer fred.”
    Fred was introduced late on but there was nothing he could do to stop United falling a 2-0 defeat that saw Newcastle leapfrog his side into third place. More

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    Fans loving hilarious Antony vs Dan Burn rivalry as Man Utd take on Newcastle – but have no idea who’ll come out on top

    FOOTBALL fans were loving the latest instalment of Dan Burn’s rivalry with Antony as Newcastle took on Manchester United.The pair faced off for the third time this season as the Red Devils visited St James’ Park.
    Dan Burn and Antony played out an exciting battleCredit: PA
    The pair continued their rivalry from the Carabao Cup finalCredit: PA
    Many fans felt the Brazilian had Burn’s numberCredit: Getty
    And Antony, who gave Burn a torrid time in the Carabao Cup final in February, toyed with the defender throughout the first half.
    The Brazilian jinked past Burn at one point, poking the ball through his legs before advancing on the Toon box.
    But Burn gave as good as he got and some fans felt he did a good job containing the United winger.
    One fan said: “Dan Burn is an absolute BEAST. Not a single look in for Antony on that right side, so he switches with Rashford and now Dan Burn doing a job on Rashford to so far!”
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    Another added: “Dan Burn’s had Antony in his pocket this whole first half.”
    And a third said: “Antony and Dan Burn, that’s a battle that we love to see, especially when Burn just tower over Antony.”
    However other fans saw the duel very differently, claiming Antony got the better of his opponent on multiple occasions.
    One viewer wrote: “Antony terrorising Burn, you love to see it.”
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    Another commented: “Antony has Dan Burn on TOAST already, special player.”
    A third remarked: “Antony is playing with Dan Burn 😭” More

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    Newcastle 2 Man Utd 0 LIVE RESULT: Wilson doubles lead with late header as Toon pick up vital win – latest

    NEWCASTLE UNITED secured a crucial 2-0 win over Manchester United in their hunt for the top four.The Magpies had piled on the pressure with Joe Willock and Callum Wilson scoring vital second-half goals.
    The victory sees Toon leapfrog United into third place in the Premier League table.

    Result: Newcastle 2-0 Man Utd
    Newcastle XI: Pope, Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn, Longstaff, Bruno Guimaraes, Willock, Murphy, Isak, Saint-Maximin
    Man Utd XI: De Gea, Dalot, Martinez, Varane, Shaw, McTominay, Sabitzer, Fernandes, Antony, Rashford, Weghorst

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    Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
    Time to bounce back
    Things don’t get too much easier next time up for United, although they will be back at Old Trafford for the fixture with Brentford.
    Newcastle meanwhile will be looking to strengthen their grip on the top four when they face West Ham on Wednesday.
    Weghorst questions remain
    Still yet to score in the Premier League, it was another difficult outing for Wout Weghorst.
    He looks like he’s struggling to live up to the standard’s required to be a striker at a top Premier League club.
    Time to spend big in the summer…
    Ten Hag
    “Today, the best team one. I hate to say it. Especially in determination and passion and desire.
    “We had our opportunities but you have to go for goal with the determination they did.
    “I don’t want to focus on one person [Weghorst], we didn’t create any big chances.
    “We have to deal with the setback and learn from this lesson.”
    Shaw obviously fuming
    “Not good enough. I feel like every time I speak I’m honest, and while I do think Newcastle are a very good side, they didn’t win on quality. They won on passion, attitude and motivation.
    “I say the same things every time we lose. It was a massive game and we weren’t up for it. It’s unacceptable.
    “It’s been coming. We’ve dropped levels. The players had a chat with no staff around, as ultimately it’s down to us.”
    Awaiting Ten Hag’s interview
    The Dutchman will have some questions to answer after that defeat…
    Willock hints he wants England call-up
    “That’s my dream. If I keep working hard I’ve definitely got the ability to be selected and give the manager some decisions to make.”
    Wilson and Burn delighted
    Burn: “Really special. For a long time we’ve [Newcastle fans] disliked Man United.”
    Wilson: “We were disappointed with the final. It was one of those things we had to put right.
    Tongue in cheek from Magpies
    They’ve faced plenty of criticism for how they play against the big sides this season…
    No time-wasting required… 😏— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) April 2, 2023

    Newcastle players soak up the applause
    There’s a tough run-in to come for Eddie Howe’s men, but if they play like that they are threatening to do something seriously special this season.
    They’ll certainly enjoy their look at the table tonight.

    Howe outclasses Ten Hag
    The subs both teams made at 1-0 summed up the managerial battle today.
    Howe brought on Wilson who put the game to bed, while Ten Hag removed his tallest three players before conceding from a set piece.

    Full-time!
    Dominant. From start to finish, Newcastle have outplayed United today, and they take all three points in emphatic fashion.
    Second half goals from Joe Willock and Callum Wilson sees Eddie Howe’s side climb to third in the league!
    Burn gets the crowd going
    95′: The local lad has loved his outing today, and he gets the crowd going with seconds to play here!
    St. James’ Park in fine voice
    94′: This result will see the Magpies third in the Premier League with 2/3s of the season complete.
    They have every right to be enjoying themselves right now.
    Rashford’s misery nearly complete
    92′: He’s been so quiet today, and his day has been summed up by a tame pass straight into Pope’s arms.
    Five minutes have been added on here
    What was Ten Hag thinking?
    90′: Replacing Varane and Martinez in one change looked strange, and its come back to bite the United manager late on here.
    Another corner from Trippier threatens yet again.
    GOAL! Wilson puts it to bed!
    89′: Lesson number one in how not to defend set pieces.
    Trippier floats a freekick into the box and Wilson is completely unmarked six yards out to head home and make it 2-0!
    Game over!
    Frantic final five
    87′: United don’t look to have settled well since their changes, and Newcastle are looking to exploit that.
    Anderson’s cross is headed wide by Burn.
    Willock replaced
    The goalscorer receives a standing ovation as he’s replaced by youngster Anderson.
    Last roll of the dice for Ten Hag
    Fred, Pellistri and Lindelof come on to replace McTominay, Martinez and Varane.
    Both starting centre-backs are now off…
    Big chance for Martial
    82′: Instantly looking more threatening than Weghorst, he makes room for a shot, and the deflection takes it just past the post.
    Willock wayward
    80′: A mistake by Pope actually turns into a chance for Willock, but he fires wide from the edge of the area.
    Isak is replaced by Wilson.
    Huge chance for 2-0!
    Another corner has De Gea struggling, but he replies with a great save to deny Joelinton.
    The ball falls to Schar but Martial clears off the line. Huge chance!
    McTominay leads United forward
    The Scot wins a corner after showing good pace down the right, but the set-piece is claimed by Pope after Fernandes recycled.
    Decent chance for Sabitzer
    73′: Perhaps United’s best chance of the afternoon as Sabitzer picks it up 12 yards out, but his shot is charged down and falls to Pope.
    Can United respond?
    71′: They’ve produced very little today, have they got anything in these final 20 minutes?
    Sancho overruns it and gives away a throw in. Good start.
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    Man Utd legend Wayne Rooney makes controversial Premier League title prediction.. and has his say on top-four race

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Wayne Rooney has insisted that Arsenal are the favourites to win the Premier League this season.The Gunners restored their eight-point lead over Manchester City on Saturday following a 4-1 win over Leeds.
    Arsenal are leading the title raceCredit: Reuters
    Man City are eight points behind the GunnersCredit: AFP
    Wayne Rooney believes Arsenal will win the Premier LeagueCredit: Reuters
    City thrashed Liverpool 4-1 just a few hours prior to the 3pm kick-offs to close the gap back down to five points.
    But, Mikel Arteta’s side refused to succumb to the pressure as they extended their impressive winning streak to seven Prem games.
    Arsenal have played one more league game than Man City so far this season and the two sides are set to meet once again later this month.
    With the title race far from settled, United icon Rooney has had his say on who he thinks will lift the trophy.
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    In his column for The Times, Rooney wrote: “The title race? Nothing would surprise me from Manchester City.
    “They could put together an incredible run and still win it but you have to say Arsenal are favourites.
    “Everyone has been waiting for them to drop off but they’ve been top of the league for so many weeks and dealing with the pressure all season. I don’t see a collapse from them.”
    The United icon also had his say on the incredibly tight race for Champions League qualification.
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    Rooney predicts Ten hag will lead Man Utd to thirdCredit: Reuters
    He believes that his former club will finish third behind Arsenal and City, with Liverpool taking the final spot in the top four.
    He added: “The top four? A few weeks ago, there looked a possibility Manchester United could challenge for the Premier League title.
    “Erik ten Hag’s team fell short, but they could still end up with three trophies, and I’m sure will finish in the top four, then kick on after he buys a few players to strengthen in the summer.
    “So Manchester United will be there but I have a suspicion that Liverpool might sneak into it, thanks to the quality of their squad and their experience.
    “They’re capable of going on a run. I see Newcastle, despite the great job Eddie has done, falling just a little short.” More

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    Man Utd transfer blow as arch-rivals ‘Liverpool steal march on top target Kim Min-jae with Napoli man keen on Reds’

    MANCHESTER UNITED have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Kim Min-jae with Liverpool reportedly keen on the Napoli star.The centre-back has impressed since signing for the Serie A giants from Fenerbahce last summer.
    Liverpool are favourites to land Kim Min-jaeCredit: Getty
    He has attracted interest from a host of European clubs including Paris Saint-Germain.
    Napoli are believed to be keen to tie him down to a new contract as a result, which could include increasing his buyout clause to £79million.
    United have been linked to the South Korea international throughout the season.
    But it seems rivals Liverpool have overtaken them in the race to sign the 26-year-old, according to Foot Mercato.
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    However Kim is in no hurry to leave Napoli, who are on course to win the league for the first time in 33 years.
    When asked about this future during the international break, he said: “As you know, those rumours are not true at all. I want to focus on my team. I have many tournaments to play.
    “It’s been four or years I have had these rumours. It’s uncomfortable. I wish you don’t spread those stories.
    “I cannot be bothered by transfer rumours because they aren’t true. Now I’m focusing on the team, rather than that kind of nonsense.
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    “There are so many important matches to go and right now I only want to focus on Napoli.”
    Tottenham have also been linked to the defender but it could take a huge sum for Napoli to let him leave. More

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    Man Utd fans reckon David de Gea’s astonishing double save to keep Newcastle at bay ‘worth contract renewal by itself’

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans went wild after David De Ge’s first-half heroics in their Premier League clash with Newcastle.The Red Devils were under the cosh at St James’ Park from the get-go, with Eddie Howe’s troops going from the jugular early doors.

    David de Gea was Manchester United’s star man in the first half of their clash with NewcastleCredit: Getty
    And they had De Gea to thank for them not going behind in the 15th minute.
    The Spaniard pulled off a tremendous double save to deny Alexander Isak and Joel Willock to keep the scores level.
    And the Old Trafford faithful flocked to Twitter to hail their long-time stooper.
    One tweeted: ” David de Gea with a double save worth a contract renewal of its own.”
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    Another said: “That ‘double save’ has just added another 3 years onto De Gea’s contract.”
    And another said: “It’s a myth that we need to replace De Gea man… double save.”
    One remarked: “That is a great double save from David de Gea.”
    Another chimed in: “De Gea double save outchea.”
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    Spain international De Gea’s contract at Old Trafford expires at the end of the season.
    United did have the option to extend the Spaniard’s stay by a further 12 months but opted not to.
    The Red Devils brass, however, are eager to tie the 32-year-old down to a new deal.
    SunSport revealed this week that United plan to restructure De Gea’s £250,000-a-week contract.
    They plan to pay him a lower guaranteed wage but throw in extras if he makes enough appearances.
    De Gea joined United in the summer of 2011 from Spanish giants Atletico Madrid.
    The keeper has racked up 525 appearances during his time with the Red Devils, in which he’s won the Premier League, Europa League, FA Cup and two League Cups.
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    Liverpool ‘to launch shock transfer swoop for Chelsea star Conor Gallagher with Jurgen Klopp desperate for fresh legs’

    LIVERPOOL are reportedly lining up a surprise move for Conor Gallagher to bolster their midfield after a poor season. Jurgen Klopp’s side have been a far cry from the Liverpool of recent years and not least because of a lack of depth in midfield.
    Conor Gallagher has become a regular in Gareth Southgate’s England set up
    The Reds are rumoured to be looking to change that in the summer with the addition of Chelsea and England star, Conor Gallagher.
    The Independent have reported that Klopp is looking to overhaul his midfield and feels Gallagher is the right man for the job.
    The Blues man has had a mixed season with Graham Potter’s side, starting only nine games in the league so far.
    Gallagher impressed last season whilst on loan at Crystal Palace and was nominated for PFA Young Player of the Year.
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    The central midfielder was linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge in January with Everton and Newcastle supposedly interested.
    Liverpool may face competition for the Englishman’s signature, but will be encouraged by Chelsea’s need to sell.
    The London club find themselves in a position where they need to offload players having spent £323million in January.
    Gallagher isn’t the only midfielder they’re hoping to lure away from Chelsea with rumours swirling about a move for Mason Mount too.
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    Liverpool might feel that Champions League football could offer them an advantage in the race for Gallagher, but will have a fight to reach the top four.
    The Merseyside club were comfortably dismantled by Manchester City on Saturday in a 4-1 defeat and currently sit in eighth spot.
    They face Chelsea to get a better look at their possible targets on Tuesday before welcoming league leaders Arsenal to Anfield next weekend. More