Man Utd beat Newcastle to keep European hopes alive

Manchester United stay in contention for European qualification after securing a 3-2 victory over Newcastle United at Old Trafford.

The visitors started strongly, pressing early on and nearly testing Andre Onana in the United penalty area. Sofyan Amrabat's sliding tackle and Jonny Evans' block denied the visitors any early breakthrough.

The Red Devils gradually found their rhythm, with Casemiro's overhead kick and Scott McTominay's header posing threats. 

United's pressure in the attacking third paid off just after the 30-minute mark as Kobbie Mainoo received a pass from Amad Diallo and calmly controlled the ball, taking a touch before effortlessly slotting it into the bottom-left corner.

A goal-line clearance by Casemiro maintained United's lead into half-time.

However, just four minutes into the second half, the Magpies restored parity after Jacob Murphy delivered a lovely cross into the six-yard box, where Anthony Gordon slid the ball into the net.

Eddie Howe's men had a huge chance to take the lead shortly after but Alexander Isak's effort was remarkably blocked by Sofyan Amrabat.

The visitors paid the price for that missed chance as they fell behind just before the hour mark.

Bruno Fernandes' corner was cleared by Newcastle's defence, but it fell into the path of Diallo, who unleashed a superb left-footed shot into the far corner.

In the 84th minute, substitute Rasmus Hojlund sealed the win after beating Dan Burn before slotting a shot into the bottom corner.

The visitors sparked hopes of a late comeback as Lewis Hall unleashed a superb left-footed strike into the far corner of the net in added time.

With this result, Man Utd remain eighth but they are now level on points with Newcastle, who dropped to seventh following Chelsea's victory over Brighton & Hove Albion.

Both teams are now are three points behind Chelsea with just one game left in the season.