Newcastle takes down Man United, 2-0, in position-defining game

Newcastle fans, you can finally take a breath.

After losing to Manchester United in the Carabao Cup Final, the Magpies have flipped their year around and found themselves in the driver’s seat of their own destiny to finish the 2022-23 season.

On Sunday, April 2, the Mapgies and Red Devils went toe-to-toe in a contest that would produce waves atop the Premier League standings. Heading into the contest Newcastle United sat in fifth place, three points behind the third-place spot, which was held by Manchester United.

With the points sitting at 50-47, a win on Sunday would give the Magpies the tiebreaker and shoot them into the top three.

Fortunately for them, that would end up being the case.

In the first half of play, Newcastle took the game to Man United, pushing the pace of play and keeping the pressure on them. The attacking core continued to make runs, send in crosses and take shots. Heading into halftime, the Magpies were outshooting the Red Devils by over 10.

With the scoreline still remaining at 0-0, the second half would be the time for either squad to take the edge.

Coming out of the break, Eddie Howe’s squad remained where they left off as Manchester United was unable to get a breather due to the intense aggression from Newcastle United’s offense.

In the 66th minute, a header from winger Allan Saint-Maximin found the head of midfielder Joe Willock who drove the ball into the back of the net, putting the Magpies ahead by one.

Now that they had momentum, they did not take their foot off the gas pedal and continued to play hard. After a few more chances falling short, they found another one.

In the 88th minute, just before the end of the game, substitute forward Callum Wilson scored off of a free-kick from captain Kieran Trippier.

Newcastle would go on to win the game, 2-0, with little response from Manchester United.

“First half was another example of that really where we were frustrated not to lead,” Howe told Sky Sports. “We needed patience, we felt if we performed the same way in the second half, the goal would come. Thankfully it did.”

The win improves Newcastle United’s league record to 13-11-3, with 10 games left in the season.

Want your voice heard? Join the Newcastle Toons team!

Write for us!

The overall series between the two sides sat 18-3 in favor of Manchester United, with the Magpies finding just their fourth-ever win against one of the most known teams in the Premier League.