Newcastle United lost 3-2 to Manchester United as the race for European qualification goes to the final day.
The Magpies arrived at Old Trafford knowing a point would guarantee 7th but fell to defeat. Kobbie Mainoo opened the scoring before Anthony Gordon equalised. Goals from Amad and Rasmus Hojlund put Man Utd 3-1 in front, although Lewis Hall’s superb strike did create a nervy finish.
Eddie Howe made one change to his starting XI, recalling Kieran Trippier in place of the injured Tino Livramento.
Newcastle started the opening 10 minutes well but the hosts began creating chances and took the lead in the 31st minute through Kobbie Mainoo. Amad’s pass rolled into the path of the unmarked Mainoo, who slotted home after being played onside by Trippier.
The Magpies responded well to going behind. Anthony Gordon controversially had a penalty appeal turned down after being clipped on the back of his heel by Sofyan Amrabat. Dan Burn then had a header cleared off the line by Casemiro.
Howe’s men levelled in the 49th minute when a Jacob Murphy cross was directed home by Gordon. He almost turned provider moments later when he slotted Alexander Isak in, the Swede, however, was denied by a sliding Amrabat challenge.
And that proved costly because moments later, Amad put the Red Devils back in front when Bruno Fernandes’ corner was cleared by Murphy but only as far as Amad, who fired home.
Substitute Rasmus Hojlund then made it 3-1 before Hall’s long distance set up a nervy end. The hosts, however, held out.
The Magpies go to Brentford on the final day where they must equal Man Utd’s result at Brighton to finish seventh. Sixth is now in Chelsea’s control, with Newcastle needing to beat Brentford and hope the Blues lose at home to Bournemouth.
Here’s our Newcastle United player ratings from Old Trafford:
5. Lewis Hall - 8
His best performance in a Newcastle shirt. Excellent both offensively and defensively, and what a finish at the end. Ran himself into the ground. | AFP via Getty Images
6. Bruno Guimaraes - 5
Far from his usual best on the ball and didn’t track the run of Kobbie Mainoo for the opener. Then missed a free header from a Gordon corner. An off day. | AFP via Getty Images
7. Sean Longstaff - 5.5
Got into some excellent positions in the box but final ball let him down. Squandered a one-on-one chance to make it 2-2. | Getty Images
8. Elliot Anderson - 5.5
Put in a lot of hard work as he supported Gordon and Hall down the left-hand side but struggled to produce in the final third. | Getty Images