Player Ratings: Man Utd Beats Newcastle 3-2 to Stay in European Contention

Manchester United managed to secure a 3-2 victory over Newcastle United in their final home match of the season at Old Trafford, which may save them from their lowest-ever Premier League placement.

The match was highly engaging, with quality goals on both sides. Kobbie Mainoo struck the first goal for Manchester United, with Anthony Gordon evening the score in the early part of the second half.

However, the lead was taken back by Manchester United, thanks to goals from Amad Diallo and Rasmus Hojlund. The latter started the game on the bench to maintain his fitness for the upcoming FA Cup final.

Newcastle, however, showed resilience, with Lewis Hall striking a late goal giving hope to a possible stoppage-time comeback. However, this proved to be a mere consolation.

Newcastle started the game aggressively, with defenders Sofyan Amrabat and Jonny Evans blocking attempts at goal on a couple of occasions. Manchester United took about ten minutes to warm up, with shots from Casemiro, Scott McTominay and Amad Diallo.

In a change of strategy, coach Erik ten Hag started Bruno Fernandes as a forward while keeping Hojlund in reserve. Newcastle had no luck in pinning Fernandes down due to his constant movement on the ground.

The game seemed to be well-balanced until Mainoo's opening goal. The young player remained unmarked in the middle and scored with ease.

Casemiro, despite criticism for his role in the Crystal Palace defeat, performed remarkably in the closing stages of the first half, clearing attempts at goal by Newcastle twice.

Despite a close call from Newcastle in the opening of the second half, their winger Anthony Gordon equalised with a smooth assist from Jacob Murphy.

Newcastle were then denied the lead thanks to heroic last-minute blocking from Amrabat. Shortly after, Amad elevated Manchester United back into the lead, quickly striking a goal past Newcastle's goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.

Next, both goalkeepers were tested by strikes from Diogo Dalot and Joelinton. Manchester United quickly got some breathing room as Hojlund, after coming off the bench, managed to score.

Newcastle didn't back down, with Hall scoring his second-ever senior goal. However, despite this, Manchester United held their ground for the win.