Manchester United aim for a late European surge after Newcastle victory
Manchester United supporters woke this morning knowing that an improved performance from Erik ten Hag’s men has left some positivity in the bank for a final-day outing in the Brighton sun.
Three goals and three points against a tough Newcastle side set the tone for a shootout for the unsavoury bragging rights of finishing the Premier League in Seventh place.
But, while plenty will scoff at the prospect of celebrating yesterday evening’s victory, the individual performances of several players, coupled with an improved collective outing, supplied a shred of optimism ahead of what could be a memorable ending.
Youth-led
With much made about a collection of uninspiring performances throughout the campaign, a second consecutive start for Sofyan Amrabat supplied a sense of composure in front of the back four.
But it was through the Red’s youthful superstars that much positivity shone through. Kobbie Mainoo, again playing beyond his years, notched the game-opening goal, with Alejandro Garnacho and the impressive Amad Diallo causing endless trouble on the flanks.
Rasmus Højlund started a rare game on the bench but took less than two minutes to get on the scoresheet following his late introduction alongside the returning Marcus Rashford and Lisandro Martínez.
Although Newcastle did their best to spoil the evening with a 92nd-minute Lewis Hall strike – something Anthony Gordon and the travelling support may feel they would have deserved, United held on to take all three points with a 3-2 victory.
Permutations heading into the final game week
United and Newcastle have earned 57 points, although the Magpies have a significant advantage in goal difference – with Eddie Howe’s side enjoying breathing space by way of 24.
Chelsea occupies sixth place with 60 points and are 16 goals better off than the Old Trafford outfit. Realistically, barring the most unlikely of final-day outcomes, the Blues have more than enough breathing space on Mainoo and co.
Should United lift the FA Cup and finish the campaign in seventh or eighth in the Premier League, the team in fifth would join United in the Europa League, with the team finishing sixth moving to the Europa Conference League.
However, if City record back-to-back FA Cup final victories, sixth place in the Premier League will qualify for the Europa League, with seventh placing in the Conference League and eight without European football next term.
Words from the manager ahead of a Wembley showpiece
As is customary at the end of the final home game of a season, Ten Hag gathered his players in the centre of the field and, with mic in hand, addressed the partisan support in attendance.
Despite the efforts of the visiting contingent, the Theatre of Dreams signalled their support for the Dutchman ahead of an FA Cup rematch.
“On behalf of the players, the staff, [and] myself, I want to thank you all for the brilliant support during the season,” he said.
“As you know, it wasn’t an easy season, but one thing remained constant, and that was the backing from you for the team.”
In closing, he addressed the mouth-watering fixture with Pep Guardiola’s side on May 25, “The players will give everything to win the Cup.”
Let us know how you see the season playing out below.
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