May 16, (THEWILL) – Manchester United boosted their prospects of European football next season with a dramatic 3-2 victory against Newcastle United at Old Trafford on Wednesday night. Erik ten Hag’s men closed within three points of the English Premier League’s European places with a hard-fought win over the Magpies.
The home side took an early lead through teenage midfielder, Kobbie Mainoo, who was played onside before calmly slotting past Nick Pope. However, Newcastle drew level early in the second period courtesy of Anthony Gordon’s cool finish.
United’s sloppiness threatened to cost them after the break, but Amad Diallo restored their advantage with a thunderbolt strike for his first EPL goal.
Despite Lewis Hall’s late goal for the visitors, substitute Rasmus Hojlund made sure of the three points for United with a composed low finish. The victory preserves the Red Devils’ European aspirations heading into the final day, though they still have work to do, especially with Chelsea’s form in the run-in.
Newcastle will rue a host of missed chances, with Alexander Isak and Joelinton both failing to capitalise on presentable opportunities. Eddie Howe’s men are now seventh, level on points with eighth-placed United.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.