Manchester United have struggled in the last few outings, with their last win coming nearly a month ago against Sheffield United, and recent losses to Palace and Arsenal still hang over the team heading into the final stages of the season. As a result, a clash against Newcastle probably wasn’t the ideal clash for Ten Hag’s side, however they showed up at Old Trafford with a determination that has often been missing this season, resulting in one of the more dominant displays of the season.

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Teams

Manchester United continue with their make-shift and aging back 4 as Evans-Casemiro hold the line. There were some positives however as Martinez made a late cameo as he returns to fitness and the false-9 attack seems to have worked in this latest attempt.

For Newcastle, on paper they had most of their key players fit and available, and despite being unable to get the points, they have a strong side capable of causing some serious problems in attack.

Manchester United: Onana, Dalot, Evans, Casemiro, Wan-Bissaka, Mainoo (Martinez 83′), Amrabat, Garnacho (Rashford 83′), McTominay, Amad (Hojlund 82′), Fernandes (Eriksen 90′)

Subs: Bayindir, Kambwala, Forson, Collyer, Antony

Newcastle United: Dubravka, Hall, Burn, Krafth, Trippier (Schar 63′), Anderson (Joelinton 62′), Guimaraes, Longstaff (Barnes 77′), Gordon, Isak, Murphy (Almiron 62′)

Subs: Pope, Murphy, Dummett, White, Ritchie

Manchester United 3-2 Newcastle United

In a gripping Premier League encounter at Old Trafford on 15 May 2024, Manchester United edged Newcastle United 3–2 in a match full of momentum swings and youthful flair. The hosts struck first just before half-time when academy star Kobbie Mainoo finished confidently after being set up by team-mate Amad Diallo, giving United a deserved lead heading into the break. With European qualification still up for grabs for both sides, Old Trafford buzzed with anticipation as United looked to build on their advantage.

Newcastle responded positively after the interval, with Anthony Gordon equalising early in the second half and momentarily shifting momentum in the visitors’ favour. However, Amad, who enjoyed a fine night creating and scoring, fired United back in front with his first Premier League goal midway through the second half. The drama continued when super-sub Rasmus Højlund made an instant impact, curling home shortly after coming off the bench to make it 3–1 and seemingly seal the points for Erik ten Hag’s side.

Just as United fans began to relax, Newcastle grabbed a late lifeline when Lewis Hall curled in a stoppage-time strike to make it 3–2, setting up a nervy finish. Despite a frantic final few minutes, United held on to secure a crucial victory, maintaining their hopes of a European push into the final day. It was a night to savour for the Red Devils faithful, a blend of youth, resilience, and attacking spark, in a result that left both sides level on points but gave United the bragging rights at Old Trafford.

Talking Points

Manchester United secured a much-needed and morale-boosting win with their 3–2 triumph over Newcastle, a result that kept their European hopes alive heading into the final weekend. With pressure mounting after an inconsistent league campaign, United delivered a performance that blended urgency with attacking intent, finally giving the Old Trafford crowd something to cheer. The victory not only lifted spirits but ensured United stayed in contention during a tightly contested end to the season.

One of the standout features of the night was the continued emergence of United’s young talents, who once again proved pivotal. Kobbie Mainoo opened the scoring with the kind of composure that belies his age, while Amad Diallo enjoyed arguably his best performance in a United shirt, assisting the opener and smashing home a superb second-half goal. The late strike from Rasmus Højlund, coming fresh off the bench, underlined the growing influence of United’s next generation. Their energy, confidence, and attacking spark were at the heart of everything good about United’s display.

Despite holding a 3–1 lead heading into the closing moments, United were forced into a tense finale when Lewis Hall curled in a stoppage-time goal for Newcastle. The pressure was intense, with the visitors pushing hard for an equaliser, but United showed welcome resilience to see the game out, something that has too often eluded them this season. It wasn’t comfortable, and it certainly wasn’t straightforward, but it was a gutsy, determined finish that gave the team and supporters a valuable reminder of what they are capable of under pressure.