Newcastle edge past Man Utd to climb up to third

Newcastle United scored twice in the second half as they beat a lackluster Manchester United at St James’ Park on Sunday evening.

The result sees the Magpies climb up to third in a massive boost to finish in the top four as we reach the business end of the season.

Newcastle’s victory over the Red Devils was also their first since 2019, having lost four and drawn two against their opponents in their last six head-to-head matches.

Newcastle dominate from start to finish

The hosts dominated from the get-go as they put United under massive pressure with their fluid pass-and-move style of play.

Alexander Isak almost gave Newcastle the lead in the 16^th minute but David De Gea got down well to deny the Swede before also getting into the patch of Joe Willock from the rebound.

Allan Saint-Maximin then set up Sean Longstaff with a darting run in the left wing but the latter saw his vicious shot go narrowly wide from the edge of the box with De Gea stranded in the United goal.

Willock should have given his side the lead five minutes before the halftime whistle but inexplicably shot way over the bar from close range when he looked certain to score.

United hardly improved after the break, looking blunt in attack and failing to garner any real momentum.

United toothless in attack

Marcus Rashford, who has been in stellar form this season, had a quiet game, while Bruno Fernandes couldn’t influence the proceedings from the middle of the park.

Newcastle continued their momentum and took a deserved lead in the 65^th minute when Bruno Guimares floated a lofted ball from the inside right channel for Isak to head back onto the head of Willock who slotted home from point-blank range.

The hosts then put the game beyond doubt in the 88^th minute when substitute Callum Wilson scored from a delightful freekick from Kieran Trippier.

The result comes as a massive win for Eddie Howe’s side who will look to build on the result. The Magpies are currently third with 50 points from 27 games.

For United, their stuttering form away from home continues and they drop down to fourth. Eric ten Hag will have to rejuvenate his troop before his side host Brentford on Wednesday evening.

Photo credit: IMAGO / PA Images