The points Newcastle United need to finish above Chelsea & Man Utd - and secure UEFA qualification

Newcastle United’s European qualification hopes received a major boost last night after Manchester United were hammered 4-0 at Crystal Palace.

The Red Devils started the bank holiday weekend in 6th but ended it in 8th following wins for both Newcastle and Chelsea against Burnley and West Ham United, respectively.

Goals from Callum Wilson, Sean Longstaff, Bruno Guimaraes and Bruno Guimaraes moved the Magpies up to 6th and in turn delivered a significant blow to Burnley’s hopes of remaining in the top-flight.

Meanwhile, Chelsea fired five past West Ham at Stamford Bridge, moving them up to 7th and sticking to within two points of Newcastle.

Man United had the opportunity to leapfrog both clubs with a win at Selhurst Park on Monday night, however Erik ten Hag’s injury-hit side failed miserably with Michael Olise netting a brace, while Jean Philippe-Mateta and Tyrick Mitchell were also on the scoresheet.

With three games remaining, Eddie Howe & Co know what is required in order to secure a top six finish.

Should they beat Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, avoid defeat away to Manchester United and win at Brentford on the final day, 6th place will be theirs because of their superior goal difference. That is, of course, presuming Chelsea win all their remaining fixtures.

Man Utd host Premier League title hopefuls Arsenal on Sunday before hosting Newcastle three days later. On the final day, they travel to Brighton.

A scenario that could play out is if the Red Devils lose to Arsenal, Newcastle - if they beat Brighton - would require just a point at Old Trafford to ensure they finish above them for the first time in Premier League history.

Elsewhere, Chelsea face back-to-back away games at Nottingham Forest and Brighton before taking on AFC Bournemouth on home turf on the final day.

To summarise:

- Newcastle need seven points from their remaining three games to finish 6th.

- Avoiding defeat against Man Utd and claiming a further four points from Brighton & Brentford will ensure the Magpies finish above the Old Trafford club for the first time in Premier League history.

Finishing 6th secures European qualification regardless of who wins the FA Cup between Manchester City or Manchester United. Currently, 6th is a Europa League spot, though it would become a Europa Conference League place should Man Utd finish 7th or below and win the FA Cup.

If Newcastle were to finish 7th and watch Ten Hag’s side - presuming they miss out on the top seven - beat Man City then a European place would be snatched away from them. That is the worst possible outcome but can be avoided with the Magpies firmly in the driving seat.