Newcastle United took a major step toward securing a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League with a commanding 4-1 victory over Manchester United at St James’ Park.
The result lifts Newcastle to fourth place in the Premier League, fueling hopes of a return to Europe’s top competition.
Having already ended their 70-year trophy drought by winning the Carabao Cup last month, the Magpies have their sights set firmly on finishing in the top four.
Earlier in the day, Chelsea dropped points with a 2-2 draw against Ipswich Town, offering Newcastle a golden opportunity to climb the table and they seized it in style.
Despite being without their manager Eddie Howe, who was absent due to illness and currently recovering in hospital, Newcastle looked sharp and determined from the outset. Assistant manager Jason Tindall took charge on the sidelines, and his side delivered a performance full of purpose.
The breakthrough came in the 24th minute. Swedish striker Alexander Isak threaded a clever pass to Sandro Tonali, who struck a thunderous shot past Altay Bayindir to give Newcastle a 1-0 lead.
Manchester United responded well, and just before halftime, Alejandro Garnacho equalized with a composed finish following a rapid counter-attack.
Bayindir, making his Premier League debut in goal for Manchester United, kept the visitors in the game with a string of smart saves in the first half. But Newcastle returned from the break with renewed intensity and quickly reclaimed control.
Harvey Barnes, who came off the bench at halftime, proved to be the game-changer. He restored Newcastle’s lead in the 52nd minute with a well-taken finish, then capitalized on a defensive blunder by United’s Noussair Mazraoui to score his second and Newcastle’s third.
The Red Devils, who have now suffered 14 defeats in the league this season, struggled to recover. Their woes deepened when goalkeeper Bayindir gifted possession to Bruno Guimarães, who coolly slotted home the fourth goal to seal a memorable night for the Magpies.
The victory was historic for Newcastle it marked the first time in 94 years that they have beaten Manchester United twice in the same league campaign.
With this win, Newcastle move within one point of third-place Nottingham Forest and could leapfrog them with a victory in their upcoming clash against Crystal Palace on Wednesday. Momentum is on their side as the race for Champions League spots heats up.
Meanwhile, Manchester United must regroup quickly. Their focus now shifts to the Europa League, where they face Lyon in the second leg of their quarter-final at Old Trafford. With their hopes of a top-four finish fading, success in Europe may be their best route back into the Champions League.
