A crucial strike by substitute Rasmus Hojlund in the 84th minute made the difference at Old Trafford, giving under-pressure Man United manager Erik ten Hag a much-needed victory in the team’s final home game of the season.
With this win, the hosts matched seventh-place Newcastle with 57 points, though Man United has an inferior goal difference. Both clubs are now three points behind sixth-place Chelsea, which secured a 2-1 victory at Brighton on Wednesday.
The teams finishing in sixth and seventh place are expected to qualify for the Europa League and Europa Conference League, respectively. Additionally, Man United could secure a Europa League spot by winning the FA Cup final against Manchester City on May 25.
The match saw Kobbie Mainoo put Man United ahead in the 31st minute after Amad Diallo threaded a pass through the Newcastle defense. Diallo then regained the lead for the home side with a fierce left-footed shot in the 57th minute, capitalizing on a corner that Newcastle failed to clear.
Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon had equalized in the 49th minute, and Lewis Hall added another goal in stoppage time, ensuring a tense finish to the game. Despite the late pressure, Man United held on for the victory, keeping their European aspirations alive.
