Man Utd vs Newcastle LIVE: Premier League result and reaction as hosts clinch win in five-goal thriller

Manchester United kept their hopes of qualifying for Europe alive with an impressive performance against a determined Newcastle team at Old Trafford.

The visitors started the match the more aggressive side but it was the hosts who opened the scoring. Martin Dubravka was twice called into action to deny the Red Devils but their third attempt saw Kobbie Mainoo slipped into the box for a well-placed finish.

The response came after the half-time break. Newcastle started quickly again with Anthony Gordon showing desire to meet a cross and net the equaliser. The game was in the balance before Amad Diallo stepped up. A poor clearance from a corner brought the ball to him which he smashed into the back off the night.

At 2-1, both managers made changes but Erik ten Hag’s substitutes made the difference. Lisandro Martinez won the ball, Marcus Rashford drove it forward, Rasmus Hojlund finished it off. However United were in for a few nervous minutes after Lewis Hall scored a late consolation but they managed to hold on for the win.

Relive the action below plus get the latest odds and tips right here:

Manchester United vs Newcastle LIVE

• With excitement and errors aplenty Manchester United perfectly encapsulate the Erik ten Hag era

• Man Utd defeat Newcastle 3-2 in the Premier League

• United win keeps hopes of qualifying for Europe alive

• Premier League clubs to vote on scrapping VAR after proposal tabled by Wolves

• 90+2’ GOAL! - Hall scores superb goal to keep hope alive (MUN 3-2 NEW)

• 84’ GOAL! - Hojlund comes off the bench to score (MUN 3-1 NEW)

• 57’ GOAL! - Amad restores United’s lead (MUN 2-1 NEW)

• 49’ GOAL! - Gordon scores equaliser (MUN 1-1 NEW)

• 46’ CLOSE! - Guimaraes’ deflected effort makes Onana work to keep it out (MUN 1-0 NEW)

• 37’ OFF THE LINE - Casemiro heads Burn’s effort away (MUN 1-0 NEW)

• 31’ GOAL! - Mainoo gets in behind and slots it home (MUN 1-0 NEW)

• 27’ Dubravka comes to the rescue again after a quick counter attack (MUN 0-0 NEW)

• 15’ SAVE! - Dubravka keeps out a swerving effort from Amad (MUN 0-0 NEW)

Manchester United FC 3 - 2 Newcastle United FC

With excitement and errors aplenty Manchester United perfectly encapsulate the Erik ten Hag era

22:19 , Mike Jones

If this proves Erik ten Hag’s farewell to Old Trafford, at least it summed up some of the finest elements of the Dutchman’s fraught second season at Manchester United. There was entertainment in abundance and goals by three youngsters; Kobbie Mainoo and Amad Diallo were given their chance by Ten Hag, Rasmus Hojlund signed by him. A patched-up team delivered a victory against one of the better teams in the country, Casemiro was talismanic if also culpable, the Stretford End sang supportively and the roof didn’t leak.

In the bigger picture, it may only postpone various forms of disappointment for four days. United need to better Newcastle’s result on Sunday to move out of eighth and avoid their lowest finish for 34 years. Stay there and they will need to win the FA Cup to qualify for Europe. Eddie Howe’s side may instead be the United in continental competition next season. Newcastle are still on course to finish above Manchester United for the first time since 1975, but now there is some final-day jeopardy for the Geordies.

With excitement and errors aplenty Man Utd perfectly encapsulate the Erik ten Hag era

Bruno Fernandes speaking to Sky Sports:

22:21 , Mike Jones

“Obviously the job isn’t finished yet. We still have one game in the Premier League then the biggest game of the season, the FA Cup final.

“It has been a tough season. The table shows that and we are all aware of that. The fans have been amazing and behind us all season. We all appreciate what they have been doing for us.

“We want to do better and do differently and they [fans] deserve that.

“They have been amazing for us and we had to do something, we have been trying but results don’t show that. We have been working hard and everyone has been giving their best it is not enough and we have to do more.

“We still have two games to go and we have to finish in the best way.

“It doesn’t exist, a captain’s performance, it is a team performance.

“I am no different from anyone just because I have the armband. I always try my best and we always do the best we can for the club – nobody hides that we play for a big club and we have to lift our standards every game.”

FT Man Utd 3-2 Newcastle

22:21 , Mike Jones

This was Manchester United’s first Premier League win over Newcastle since 11 September 2021. They had not won in the four meetings in between.

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag addressing the Old Trafford crowd:

22:20 , Mike Jones

“On behalf of the players, staff and myself I want to thank you all for the brilliant support during this season.

“As you know it wasn’t an easy season, but one thing remained constant and that was the backing of you for the team.

“This season is not over yet. First we go to Brighton where we travel for three points and then we go to Wembley. And I promise you those players will give everything to get that cup and bring it to Old Trafford.

“We are sure you will be there supporting us - thank you, you are the best supporters in the world.”

Full-time! Man Utd 3-2 Newcastle

21:57 , Mike Jones

90+7 mins: There goes the full time whistle.

Manchester United a deserved and well fought for victory. They keep their hopes of European qualification alive but were made to work for it from a determined Newcastle side.

In the end a fair result from a thrilling game.

Man Utd 3-2 Newcastle

21:53 , Mike Jones

90+5 mins: Manchester United are employing all the time-wasting tactics they can muster. Slowing down play, winning fouls, trying to take the ball wide.

Can they hold on to win?

GOAL! Man Utd 3-2 Newcastle (Hall, 90+2’)

21:51 , Mike Jones

90+2 mins: Wow! Newcastle win a corner that gets headed out to Lewis Hall. He sets it up for a left-footed strike and curls a fine shot wide of Andre Onana to give Newcastle some hope.

Man Utd 3-1 Newcastle

21:50 , Mike Jones

90 mins: Six minutes of added time to play. Don’t know where that number has come from, maybe the large number of substitutes?

Man Utd 3-1 Newcastle

21:46 , Mike Jones

87 mins: That goal should be a deciding factor in the game now. Manchester United just need to keep a lid on things for the final few minutes and they’ll have a wel deserved win.

Andre Onana comes off his line again to claim a free kick sent into his own box.

GOAL! Man Utd 3-1 Newcastle (Hojlund, 84’)

21:44 , Mike Jones

84 mins: Rasmus Hojlund!

From the bench Manchester United’s main striker scores with his first touches. Lisandro Martinez wins the ball back on the edge of his own box and Marcus Rashford carries it forward.

He gives the ball to Bruno Fernandes who sets up Hojlund. The forward checks to the right then slots a low shot into the bottom left corner.

Man Utd 2-1 Newcastle

21:43 , Mike Jones

83 mins: Erik ten Hag decides the time is right to take his youngsters off, Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo and Amad Diallo are all whipped off the pitch.

In their place come Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Hojlund and Lisandro Martinez. United are now set up with a back three and two wingbacks.

Man Utd 2-1 Newcastle

21:41 , Mike Jones

81 mins: A slight shirt pull from Amad Diallo earns him a yellow card but also stops Anthony Gordon’s counter attack.

From the free kick, Newcastle give the ball to Barnes who whips a cross to the far side of the box where Emil Krafth turns the ball into the side netting.

Man Utd 2-1 Newcastle

21:36 , Mike Jones

78 mins: Sean Longstaff heads off the pitch and is replaced with Harvey Barnes. Eddie Howe is certainly going for the win here and has sent Anthony Gordon up top alongside Alexander Isak.

He’s got a forward line of four players now.

Man Utd 2-1 Newcastle

21:35 , Mike Jones

75 mins: Bruno Fernandes fizzes a flat corner ball into the box and tries to find Casemiro. He battles to win the ball as it drop but Newcastle manage to squeeze it away.

This match is massively in flux but another goal could kill it off for the hosts.

Man Utd 2-1 Newcastle

21:32 , Mike Jones

72 mins: Nearly!

Brilliant feet from Anthony Gordon sees his dribble around Casemiro before squaring a pass across the face of goal. Miguel Almiron arrives at the back post and looks for the tap in but his sliding effort comes too late for him to touch the ball home.

Man Utd 2-1 Newcastle

21:28 , Mike Jones

69 mins: Save! A wonderfully threaded pass sees Sean Longstaff slipped into the penalty area but his shot gets charged down but Andre Onana who makes a sharp stop to keep his team in front.

Next, a cross comes in from the right. Joelinton climbs above the nearest defender and wins the header. He gets it on target but Onana is there again to tip the ball over the crossbar!

Man Utd 2-1 Newcastle

21:24 , Mike Jones

66 mins: Casemiro chips the ball up the pitch and finds Bruno Fernandes who makes a weaving run in behind the lines. He brings the ball down and wins Man Utd a corner.

When the ball comes into the box, Amad decides to have another go but this effort gets blocked.

Man Utd 2-1 Newcastle

21:23 , Mike Jones

63 mins: Kieran Trippier, Elliot Anderson and Jacob Murphy are the men taken off by Eddie Howe with Joelinton, Miguel Almiron and Fabien Schar brought on.

Schar slots into the middle of the defence with Emil Krafth moving out to the right side of the defensive line.

Man Utd 2-1 Newcastle

21:19 , Mike Jones

60 mins: An hour played at Old Trafford and the hosts have their noses in front despite a great performance from Newcastle.

Eddie Howe decides it’s time to make a change with Miguel Almiron and Joelinton getting prepared on the sidelines.

GOAL! Man Utd 2-1 Newcastle (Amad, 57’)

21:17 , Mike Jones

57 mins: Man Utd go back into the lead!

Bruno Fernandes puts a corner ball into the penalty area and it gets nodded across to Amad Diallo. He strikes a first time effort and drills it past a cluster of bodies to find the far corner.

Great strike.

Man Utd 1-1 Newcastle

21:12 , Mike Jones

54 mins: Missed!

Aaron Wan-Bissaka makes an error from a Man Utd corner and allows Newcastle to break up the pitch. Gordon and Isak combine as Amrabat sprints desperately to get back to defend.

Isak receives the ball on the edge of the box and shoots but lifts the effort over the crossbar!

Man Utd 1-1 Newcastle

21:10 , Mike Jones

51 mins: It will be interesting to see how Manchester United go from here. They tend to fall away after conceding a goal and Newcastle look very dangerous since the restart.

The hosts need to find their feet in this match again.

GOAL! Man Utd 1-1 Newcastle (Gordon, 49’)

21:08 , Mike Jones

49 mins: Leveller!

It’s that man Anthony Gordon as well. Andre Onana’s long pass is won by the visitors who work the ball to Isak. He sends it across to Jacob Murphy who picks out Gordon in the box.

He wants it more than anyone else and stretches to turn the ball wide of Onana.

Man Utd 1-0 Newcastle

21:07 , Mike Jones

48 mins: A heavy touch from Bruno Fernandes leaves Newcastle with the ball deep in United’s half. Isak sends it over to Gordon who has a go from the left side of the penalty area but Casemiro gets across to get the block in.

Man Utd 1-0 Newcastle

21:05 , Mike Jones

46 mins: Close! Amad is bungled off the ball by Bruno Guimaraes who then feeds Isak into the right side of the box. He holds up the ball before slotting it back for Guimaraes who shoots.

The ball takes a softly deflection and wrongfoots Andre Onana though he manages to drop low and smother the ball.

Seocnd half! Man Utd 1-0 Newcastle

21:04 , Mike Jones

Man Utd restart the match knowing that they’re just 45 minutes away from a much needed win. Can they see it out?

Bruno Fernandes moving closer to Manchester United exit with European giant heavily linked

21:01 , Mike Jones

Bayern Munich are looking at a move for Bruno Fernandes this summer and believe they can get him due to increasing frustration at Manchester United.

There is also a feeling that the Old Trafford hierarchy would be willing to do a deal, since they need to sell players in order to meet Profit and Sustainability Rule requirements and kickstart this overhaul.

Such a move may also be a sign of a potential breakthrough in keeping Thomas Tuchel at the club, since he specifically wanted another creative player this season and the Portuguese fits the profile.

Bruno Fernandes moving closer to Man United exit with European giant heavily linked

HT Man Utd 1-0 Newcastle

20:57 , Mike Jones

Newcastle dominated possession but it was Man Utd who created more chances (9) compared to the Magpies (7) in the first half. The Red Devils had four shots on target with the deciding one being Kobbie Mainoo’s goal.

There’s work for Newcastle to do in the second 45 minutes.

HT Man Utd 1-0 Newcastle

20:53 , Mike Jones

Half-time! Man Utd 1-0 Newcastle

20:49 , Mike Jones

45+3 mins: Man Utd finish the half well and head down the tunnel with a slender lead. They’ve slipped in desire and skill when they’ve gone ahead this seaon and Erik ten Hag will want his team to fight until the end of the game tonight.

A clean sheet will give them the win and keep their European hopes alive. All to play for in the second half.

Man Utd 1-0 Newcastle

20:46 , Mike Jones

45 mins: Three minutes of added time to play in the first half.

Man Utd 1-0 Newcastle

20:44 , Mike Jones

43 mins: Another Newcastle corner is headed away by McTominay but the visitors comes again. This time Amrabat is needed to turn Trippier’s cross behind for another corner.

The Newcastle captain delivers again but can’t pick out Dan Burn this time.

Man Utd 1-0 Newcastle

20:39 , Mike Jones

40 mins: Man Utd have gotten away with a few poor moments but for the most part they’ve done okay. Newcastle still seem the more confident side despite being away from home and a goal down.

Man Utd 1-0 Newcastle

20:38 , Mike Jones

37 mins: Off the line!

Newcastle have upped the tempo since the goal with Jacob Murphy whipping a cross in from the right wing. He picks out Dan Burn in the box but directs a header at goal only for Casemiro to nod it clear before it cross the line!

Fantastic defending.

Man Utd 1-0 Newcastle

20:36 , Mike Jones

34 mins: Lucky!

Casemiro has to lunge for the ball as Anthony Gordon comes dribbling into the box. He’s under pressure from Sofyan Amrabat which allows Casemiro to win the ball and poke it away.

The referee plays on as VAR takes a look at the incident. No penalty is the decision.

31’ GOAL! Man Utd 1-0 Newcastle (Mainoo, 31’)

20:33 , Mike Jones

31 mins: Manchesterr United get the breakthrough!

This is poor from Newcastle. Amad Diallo receives the ball on the right wing and cuts along the front edge of the box before threading a pass through to Kobbie Mainoo.

He brings the ball under control and has too much time and space, Kieran Trippier is at fault due to not getting as high as his fellow defenders for the offside trap, but Mainoo makes no mistakes.

He slots the ball wide of Martin Dubravka and United take the lead!

Man Utd 0-0 Newcastle

20:28 , Mike Jones

27 mins: Save! A Man Utd counter attack sees Bruno Fernandes bring the ball up the pitch. He gives it to Alejandro Garnacho who carries the ball a few paces further before releasing back to his captain.

Fernandes dinks a chip over the Newcastle defence where Garnacho has continued his run. He brings the ball under control, opens up his body then shoots.

Martin Dubravka close the gap at the near post, sticks out a leg and keeps it out! Great goalkeeping.

Man Utd 0-0 Newcastle

20:25 , Mike Jones

24 mins: Jacob Murphy floats a decent cross into Manchester United’s box with Anthony Gordon approaching from the opposite side of the pitch.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka manages to deal with the danger before Diogo Dalot bombs the ball down the left wing and gives Alejandro Garnacho a chase to track it down.

Man Utd 0-0 Newcastle

20:21 , Mike Jones

21 mins: From a corner Bruno Fernandes picks out Amad who has a go with a volley from just inside the box. He strikes it well but there’s too many people in the way and the effort gets blocked.

In the other Premier League match taking place tonight Cole Palmer has sent Chelsea ahead against Brighton.

Man Utd 0-0 Newcastle

20:18 , Mike Jones

18 mins: After Newcastle quick start Man Utd are getting back into the contest. They’ve had three shots in the last five minute with Amad’s effort the best of the match so far.

United do look very vulnerable in defence though, Newcastle won’t be too worried at the minute.

Man Utd 0-0 Newcastle

20:16 , Mike Jones

15 mins: Save! The first real test of the goalkeeper comes from Amad Diallo. Aaron Wan-Bissaka gets forward on the right wing and wins an aerial ball.

He nods it down for Amad who cuts in from the right and drills a swerving effort at goal. Martin Dubravka seems a touch confused but manages to get two hands to the ball and palm it away.

Man Utd 0-0 Newcastle

20:11 , Mike Jones

12 mins: A long ball from Andre Onana finds Scott McTominay who flicks it past Dan Burn before spinning and recovering the ball. Burn gets back but pulls McTominay’s shirt and gives away a free kick.

Bruno Fernandes swings the set piece into the box and Martin Dubravka comes out to punch the ball away. United recycle it quickly and find Casemiro who attmepts a bicycle kick but fizzes his effort just wide!

Man Utd 0-0 Newcastle

20:08 , Mike Jones

9 mins: Man Utd can’t keep hold of the ball. It feels as though every one of them, except Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay, looks afraid of having the ball at their feet.

Kobbie Mainoo sends the ball behind for the first corner of the game which is delivered by Kieran Trippier. His cross goes over to Dan Burn who nods the ball back across the box.

Casemiro gets to the ball and touches it away but there’s more scrambling from the hosts before it’s actually sent clear.

Man Utd 0-0 Newcastle

20:06 , Mike Jones

6 mins: Dalot comes in from behind and takes Jacob Murphy out. There’s already been a few free kicks given away by Man Utd who look shaky and nervous at the back.

Newcastle’s high press is wonderfully effective.

Man Utd 0-0 Newcastle

20:03 , Mike Jones

3 mins: Newcastle recover the ball high up the pitch with Isak getting fed into space. He darts across from the right side of the pitch and has a go with his left foot.

He never manages to wrap his foot around the ball and it flies out for a goal kick without troubling Andre Onana.

Kick off! Man Utd 0-0 Newcastle

20:01 , Mike Jones

Alexander Isak gets the ball rolling at Old Trafford and Newcastle work the ball around their defence before hoping to sweep down the right wing.

The ball gets played across the pitch and Newcastle get into the box early on. The cross comes in but Diogo Dalot manages to get it clear.

Man Utd vs Newcastle

19:56 , Mike Jones

Here come the teams.

Bruno Fernandes leads out Manchester United on his return to the team following an injury. Can the hosts get back to winning ways and build some momentum ahead of the FA Cup final?

Newcastle are hoping to secure European football with a win tonight and are boosted by Kieran Trippier being back in the starting XI.

Man Utd vs Newcastle

19:50 , Mike Jones

Alexander Isak has reached 20 league goals this season, the first Newcastle player to do so since Alan Shearer scored 22 in 2003/04.

Man Utd vs Newcastle

19:45 , Mike Jones

Rasmus Hojlund has just one goal in his last eight league appearances, having scored seven in his previous six. Will he have his scoring boots on tonight?

Man Utd vs Newcastle

19:40 , Mike Jones

Newcastle’s 14 goals scored by substitutes in 2023/24 is the most in the division and one short of the all-time Premier League record.

Man Utd vs Newcastle

19:35 , Mike Jones

Manchester United have conceded 82 goals in all competitions, their most in a season since a similar tally in 1970/71.

Man Utd vs Newcastle

19:30 , Mike Jones

Newcastle United are just three goals short of equalling their club Premier League record of 82 scored in a season. A positive showing at Old Trafford may see them reach the record this evening.

Man Utd vs Newcastle

19:25 , Mike Jones

Manchester United’s only defeat in a final home match of a league campaign in the last 16 seasons was against Cardiff City in 2018/19.

Can they sign off this campaign with a win against Newcastle?

Man Utd vs Newcastle

19:20 , Mike Jones

Newcastle have won four of their last seven away league matches, having only managed one victory in their first 10 attempts this season (two draws, seven defeats).

The Magpies are aiming to finish in the top six of the Premier League in consecutive seasons for the first time since a run of three from 2001/02 to 2003/04 under Sir Bobby Robson.

Man Utd vs Newcastle

19:15 , Mike Jones

Manchester United’s 14 league defeats this season is their most in a single campaign since losing 16 in 1989/90. United are one short of losing 10 competitive home games in a season for the first time in their history.

Man Utd vs Newcastle

19:10 , Mike Jones

Eddie Howe’s side have won each of the last three meetings between the teams in all competitions including a 3-0 win here in November.

Newcastle could complete a league double against their hosts for the first time since the 1930/31 campaign.

Man Utd vs Newcastle team changes

19:05 , Mike Jones

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes returns and takes the place Rasmus Hojlund. Lisandro Martínez and Marcus Rashford are on the bench after recent injuries.

Fpr Newcastle, Kieran Trippier makes his first start for since 2 March after recovering from injury. He replaces Tino Livramento. Alexander Isak is fit to start and Nick Pope is on the bench for the third game in a row.

Man Utd vs Newcastle line-ups

19:02 , Mike Jones

Manchester United XI: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Evans, Casemiro, Dalot; Amrabat, Mainoo; Amad, McTominay, Fernandes; Garnacho.

Newcastle XI: Dubravka; Trippier, Krafth, Burn, Hall; Anderson, Guimaraes, Longstaff; Murphy, Isak, Gordon.

Ten Hag on Man Utd supporters

18:55 , Mike Jones

The Manchester United boss was also full of praise for the fans who are struggling to comprehend such a topsy-turvy season for their club.

“I think at Crystal Palace the fans were so magnificent,” Ten Hag said, “They were brilliant.

“So you said the mood is low, maybe the expectations are lower. But the mood, I don’t feel that the mood and the vibe that they create is lower. They make a lot of noise and they back the team at Palace and also on Sunday.”

Premier League clubs to vote on scrapping VAR after proposal tabled by Wolves

18:52 , Mike Jones

Premier League clubs are set to vote on the future of VAR at their annual general meeting next month after a proposal to abolish the video assistant referee system was tabled by Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Wolves formally submitted their proposal to the Premier League calling for VAR to be scrapped this summer and there will be an opportunity for all 20 clubs to vote for or against VAR when they gather in Harrogate on June 6.

VAR has been used in the English top-flight since 2019 but has persistently been controversial with the current season seeing a plethora of incidents leading to increased criticism of the processes involved.

Premier League clubs to vote on scrapping VAR after Wolves proposal

Man Utd need to defeat Newcastle

18:50 , Mike Jones

Erik ten Hag was also drawn into the importance of this evening’s match which United need to win in order to have a chance at qualifying for Europe next season.

He said: “It is clear that this is a very important game. Look at the ranking [of the table]. It is very important to get the win. We have to put everything in it to get the win and we have to fight hard for it.”

Ten Hag on Bruno Fernandes

18:45 , Mike Jones

Manchester United’s star performer, Bruno Fernandes, could make a return to the team tonight and Erik ten Hag has been praising his captain saying:

“I think that it is clear. He is, also now, but I think in all the years, I think he was a tremendously important player for Manchester United and creating the most chances across the whole Premier League.

“So many assists, so many goals, it is clear he is a very important player for us.”

Erik ten Hag does not believe Newcastle game will be his Old Trafford farewell

18:40 , Mike Jones

Under-fire Erik ten Hag does not believe Manchester United’s match against Newcastle will prove his last in the Old Trafford dugout.

The 54-year-old’s future is subject of widespread speculation given the way things have dramatically gone off course following a promising first season in the hotseat.

Ten Hag has managed to lead injury-ravaged United to another FA Cup final against Manchester City, but their wretched league form has seen doubts over his future as Ineos makes sweeping changes.

Erik ten Hag does not believe Newcastle game will be his Old Trafford farewell

Howe on qualifying for Europe

18:35 , Mike Jones

After a Champions League campaign that ended in the group stages this season, Newcastle have the chance to secure more European football when they face Man Utd tonight.

Eddie Howe said: “We find ourselves in this position, and it is where we deserve to be. We will be hoping to finish off these two games strongly.

“We must make sure our players go to Manchester United in really good spirits, confident and prepared. Our motivation is to qualify for Europe.”

Anderson impressing for Newcastle

18:30 , Mike Jones

Midfielder Elliot Anderson has impressed for Newcastle this season and Eddie Howe spoke of how the 21-year-old has settled into his role(s) in the first team.

Howe said: “Elliot has come through the academy here. When I first came to the club, we were aware of him and his talents. He’s really worked on all aspects of the game, and I think he’s been really reliable for us.

“Whatever position I have used in him, he has done very well. Tactically I have asked him to do a couple of things that the team has needed, and he’s done it very well. I am really pleased with his level of maturity and his tactical understanding.”

Howe on Nick Pope

18:25 , Mike Jones

Nick Pope has returned to the Newcastle squad after recovering from a shoulder injury but Eddie Howe isn’t sure if he is ready to play yet.

The manager said: “Nick is a player who has come back from a serious injury, a big problem to a big area of the body for a goalkeeper.

“He has still been getting his rhythm back from the training work he has been doing. I am really pleased with how he’s looked. He has continued to improve through training.

“Every game I have a decision to make and that will be another one.”

Which Premier League sides qualify for Europe? What Man Utd, Chelsea, Tottenham and Newcastle need

18:20 , Mike Jones

As well as a dramatic title race, the Premier League is heading for a frantic late scramble to decide the final European places this season - with several spots still up for grabs as we enter the final week of the campaign.

Aston Villa are in the driving seat to secure the fourth Champions League place, in what would be a stunning achievement for Unai Emery’s side. But Tottenham Hotspur are still mathematically in with a shout, even if a poor run of form for Ange Postecoglou’s side has Spurs looking over their shoulders as well.

Manchester United, meanwhile, have suddenly dropped out of the race for sixth, as both Newcastle United and Chelsea enjoy resurgent ends to difficult campaigns. So, with a week of the season to go, here’s how the battle for the final European places is shaping up.

Which Premier League sides qualify for Europe this season?

Newcastle hoping to emulate Carabao Cup

18:15 , Mike Jones

Newcastle’s last visit to Old Trafford came in November when they swept the Red Devils aside 3-0 in the Carabao Cup. Eddie Howe acknowledged that his team’s previous performance here was superb but doesn’t believe that result will have any baring on tonight’s encounter.

“It was a moment where we were beginning to experience some injuries - it was a real team effort, a real team performance,” he said.

“That game has no relevance to this one. It is a new challenge and I back the players. The players will embrace the pressure and be ready for the game.”

Howe on facing United are Old Trafford

18:10 , Mike Jones

“It is a massive fixture,” said Eddie Howe when asked to describe his feelings building up to the match.

“We are coming to the end of the season, we are desperate to do well in the game and we will do everything we can to try and win.

“We back the players to give a performance. We don’t underestimate Manchester United - we know how tough it will be. We are under no illusions of the magnitude of this game.

“It is a time to enjoy the situation we are in.”

Eddie Howe gives updates on Isak and Wilson

18:05 , Mike Jones

Both of Newcastle prime strikers, Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson, have niggling injuries which may prevent them from taking to the field tonight.

Newcastle boss, Eddie Howe said on Tuesday: “Alex didn’t train yesterday. We will see if he trains today. He wasn’t feeling 100 per cent (against Brighton), I think you could see that - we knew on Friday that he was slightly under the weather.

“We haven’t seen Callum yet. We will see if he is available to train today. If not, we will have him for Brentford.”

Manchester United’s crumbling home is the perfect theatre for Erik ten Hag’s broken dreams

18:00 , Mike Jones

The final ignominy came after the final whistle, Old Trafford’s famously leaking roof fashioning a waterfall. As tourist attractions go, it wasn’t supposed to be Manchester’s answer to the Niagara Falls. The Theatre of the Dreams has become the theatre of the drenched. Manchester United, though, is a club where everything can tumble quickly: fortunes, reputations, player values. A team who have slid down the table are now eighth, on course for their worst Premier League finish.

Even David Moyes bottomed out at seventh, Ralf Rangnick in sixth. For Erik ten Hag, the wrong kind of distinctions beckon. The manager trumpeting unprecedented achievements at Old Trafford was Mikel Arteta. “It’s 27 wins in the Premier League. It’s the most in the history of this club,” he said after that rarity, an Arsenal triumph at Old Trafford. “That is not progress, it is history.”

Man United’s crumbling home is the perfect theatre for Erik ten Hag’s broken dreams

Man Utd vs Newcastle

17:55 , Mike Jones

Manchester United have lost just one of their 28 Premier League home matches against Newcastle with 18 wins and nine draws in that run.

That defeat was a 1-0 loss in December 2013 under David Moyes. Is it time for Newcastle to win again?

Wayne Rooney accuses Manchester United players of using injuries to avoid playing

17:50 , Mike Jones

Wayne Rooney has accused some of Manchester United’s supposedly injured players of ducking out of games for the struggling side to save themselves for the FA Cup final or Euro 2024.

And he accused them of letting the club down by opting out of games, saying: “There are some very good players in that squad and the performances are way below par. You look at the injuries and some of those players could play; 100 percent.

“You have a European Championships coming up and an FA Cup final coming up. It is easy for players to stay out for a little bit and then come back towards the European Championships.

“I have seen it myself over the years. I just think the players who have been injured are not filling themselves with any credit at the minute.”

Injured players desperate to return for United

17:45 , Mike Jones

“You have to see here at Carrington. The players are desperate to play,” Erik ten Hag told reporters on Tuesday following criticism that some of the injured players are hiding from scrutiny.

The manager added: “I have seen that Licha Martinez [wants to play]. Bruno [Fernandes] did a fitness test on Sunday to play. [Marcus] Rashford did everything he could do. He trained, tried to train last week but he didn’t make it.

“Players are desperate to play and they want to be in the right shape. You see also Victor Lindelof, Rapha Varane, they are training to make themselves available for the final. They do what they can do.”

Lisandro Martinez to return to Manchester United squad against Newcastle

17:40 , Mike Jones

Lisandro Martinez is set to return to the Manchester United squad when under-fire Erik ten Hag’s side take on Newcastle.

The key Argentina centre-back has managed just 11 appearances since breaking his metatarsal last April, compounding the issues facing a Red Devils defence beset by injuries.

Martinez underwent foot surgery for the second time in October having returned for the start of the season, then was laid low by knee and calf injuries upon his return.

Lisandro Martinez to return to Manchester United squad against Newcastle

Ten Hag on Martinez’s possible impact

17:35 , Mike Jones

“I think, especially on the pitch, we need him,” the manager admitted when speaking about Lisandro Martinez’s return. “There, he shows his spirit and, there, he is a warrior.

“If he is fit, when his fitness standards are on a high, he is an absolute leader for us, he is an absolute warrior. He gives the right spirit and he is a very important player in our defending line and we missed him across almost the whole season.”

Martinez to return for Man Utd?

17:30 , Mike Jones

Erik ten Hag also suggested that fellow defender Lisandro Martinez could play a part in this evening’s match though that will likely come from the bench,

The World Cup winner’s return to training has provided a boost for the team ahead of a crucial FA Cup final versus Man City but the manager is ensuring the centre-back is not rushed back into action.

“We have to see a final training [session] this afternoon,” Ten Hag told club media on Tuesday, “But we think Licha Martinez, after a long period, he will be available.

“Not to start but coming from the bench. Hopefully, we can bring him in and that would be the next step.

“And that is very important for us, that players return, especially in the defending line because, you know, we are short of players available.”

Varane to miss Newcastle match

17:25 , Mike Jones

Raphael Varane is leaving Manchester United in the summer with the club deciding not to renew his contract. He will also miss out on an Old Trafford farewell as injury is preventing him from playing in the final home game of the season against Newcastle tonight.

No doubt, Varane will say goodbye to the supporter from the sidelines ahead of a possible return to action at Brighon on Sunday.

United boss Erik ten Hag said: “We plan [for] him definitely for the last games. Not tomorrow, but we hope for Sunday and then, of course, for the last game [The FA Cup final].”

Raphael Varane to leave Manchester United at end of season

17:20 , Mike Jones

Raphael Varane has announced he will leave Manchester United at the end of the season.

The 31-year-old centre-back made a big-money switch to the Old Trafford outfit in 2021 after a medal-laden decade at Real Madrid.

Injuries have restricted Varane to 93 appearances in his three seasons at United, who the defender will be leaving upon the expiry of his contract this summer.

Raphael Varane to leave Manchester United at end of season

Man Utd vs Newcastle prediction

17:15 , Mike Jones

With Manchester United in a bad run of form and Newcastle finding their stride again this should be an easy game to pick a result for, in theory.

It is also United’s final home match of the season and they should be boosted by the returns of some of their key personnel such as Lisandro Martinez and Bruno Fernandes. Couple that with a need to finish higher than eighth (their current position) and United may prove to be a stubborn force this evening.

Newcastle are in great form in front of goal though and United tend to slip away in matches when their opponents score. This one could turn out to be honours even.

Manchester United 1-1 Newcastle.

Predicted line-ups and latest odds

17:10 , Mike Jones

Here’s how we think the two teams will line-up this evening:

Manchester United XI: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Evans, Martinez, Dalot; Casemiro, Mainoo; Amad, Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund.

Newcastle XI: Dubravka; Trippier, Krafth, Burn, Hall; Anderson, Guimaraes, Longstaff; Almiron, Isak, Gordon.

And here are the latest odds for the match with Newcastle, ever so slightly, the favourites:

Manchester United win 7/4

Draw 3/1

Newcastle win 13/10

Man Utd vs Newcastle early team news

17:05 , Mike Jones

Lisandro Martinez is set to return to the Manchester United squad in a much-needed boost to Erik ten Hag’s defensive options. Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes will be assessed after missing the defeat against Arsenal, with Willy Kambwala also a doubt.

Both Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson missed Newcastle training ahead of the Manchester United game, potentially leaving Eddie Howe with problems up front.

Howe suggested that Isak could yet be available if his illness eases, and Fabian Schar is moving closer to a return from a hamstring issue.

How to watch Man Utd vs Newcastle

17:00 , Mike Jones

Manchester United vs Newcastle is due to kick-off at 8pm BST on Wednesday 15 May at Old Trafford.

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage on the channels from 7pm. Subscribers can stream the action via Sky Go.

If you’re not a Sky customer you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription.

Good afternoon!

14:02 , Mike Jones

Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s Premier League action as Manchester United host Newcastle.

Erik ten Hag’s men have an outside chance of finishing inside the top seven and clinching a place in Europe next season but they will need to defeat the Magpies tonight. The Red Devils are currently eighth and are three points behind Eddie Howe’s team who also hold a far superior goal difference.

Even if United win this evening they are dependent on other results going their way but they will at least take the race for European qualification down to the last weekend of the season. Ten Hag’s position may depend on getting this task done but first he needs to orchestrate a win against a solid Newcastle side.

We’ll have all the team news, line-ups and updates throughout the afternoon so stick with us as we build up to kick off at 8pm.