With excitement and errors aplenty Manchester United perfectly encapsulate the Erik ten Hag era
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
Man Utd 3-2 Newcastle: If this is to be the manager’s last match at Old Trafford his team ensured he’ll leave with a win
Mike Jones15 May 2024 22:19
Bruno Fernandes speaking to Sky Sports:
“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.”
Mike Jones15 May 2024 22:21
FT Man Utd 3-2 Newcastle
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.
Mike Jones15 May 2024 22:21
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag addressing the Old Trafford crowd:
“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.”
Mike Jones15 May 2024 22:20
Full-time! Man Utd 3-2 Newcastle
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.
Mike Jones15 May 2024 21:57
Man Utd 3-2 Newcastle
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?
Mike Jones15 May 2024 21:53
GOAL! Man Utd 3-2 Newcastle (Hall, 90+2’)
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.
Mike Jones15 May 2024 21:51
Man Utd 3-1 Newcastle
90 mins: Six minutes of added time to play. Don’t know where that number has come from, maybe the large number of substitutes?
Mike Jones15 May 2024 21:50
Man Utd 3-1 Newcastle
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.
Mike Jones15 May 2024 21:46
GOAL! Man Utd 3-1 Newcastle (Hojlund, 84’)
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.
Mike Jones15 May 2024 21:44
