Manchester United edged a thrilling battle with Newcastle to secure just a third victory in 12 Premier League games as their quest for Europe goes into the final day. Amad Diallo's stunning second-half strike was the pick of the goals as Erik ten Hag's side earned a morale-boosting win.
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Anthony Gordon had equalised for Newcastle after Kobbie Mainoo's opener. Amad put the Red Devils back ahead and Rasmus Hojlund come off the bench to score a fourth, with Lewis Hall lashing home what turned out to be a consolation. Here are five talking points from Old Trafford.
Amad Diallo’s stunner the highlight in vital win
Just when United needed a match-winner, up stepped a man who is making a name for himself at Old Trafford. Ten Hag’s side had been attempting a clever corner routine all game, with Bruno Fernandes attempting to find Amad on the edge of the penalty area.
While it was not that specific routine that led to United’s winner, a Newcastle clearance from a set-piece fell to Amad on the edge of the penalty area. The 21-year-old steadied himself before thrashing the ball beyond Martin Dubravka.
Ten Hag has previously admitted that Amad should have played more this season despite an injury in the first half of the campaign. The former Atalanta player is proving his manager wrong for not deploying him often enough.
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Mainoo and Casemiro shine
It was Mainoo’s calm finish that gave United the lead. The midfielder was played well onside by Kieran Trippier before rolling the ball into the corner.
It was Mainoo’s third goal of an impressive breakthrough campaign. He had an excellent game in midfield alongside Sofyan Amrabat and Scott McTominay.
Meanwhile, it was also a much-needed positive evening for Casemiro. The Brazilian denied Dan Burn with a brilliant goal-line block and seemed much more assured in central defence than he has done in recent weeks.
Sofyan Amrabat has night to forget
Sofyan Amrabat was fortunate not to concede a penalty when he seemed to trip Gordon in the first half. The Moroccan was then partially at fault for Newcastle’s equaliser with a loose touch in midfield that allowed the visitors to attack.
A good block to deny Alexander Isak in the second half kept United level, though. It remains unclear if Amrabat will have done enough to justify having his loan from Fiorentina made permanent.
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Man Utd’s European chances boosted
United’s victory - which was sealed by substitute Hojlund - brings Ten Hag’s side level on points with Newcastle heading into the final day. While a place in the Europa League via an FA Cup final victory remains a possibility, the Red Devils will not want to rely on beating Manchester City.
If City win that final, two Europa League places will go to fifth and sixth, with seventh getting the Conference League. United, who are eighth, have an extra incentive to beat Brighton on the final day.
Anthony Gordon winning Marcus Rashford argument
Gordon’s impressive display at Old Trafford was played in the backdrop of Rashford’s return from injury. At the moment, the Newcastle star is winning the race to be included in the England squad for Euro 2024.
In what could be a straight shootout between Gordon and Rashford, the former Everton player has the advantage. He converted Jacob Murphy’s cross to draw Newcastle level.
Rashford, who appeared as a late substitute, was filmed engaging in a row with a supporter before the game.
