Newcastle’s Champions League ambitions took a big step forward with a 3-1 win over Manchester United, pushing them into fourth place in the Premier League.
Fresh off their Carabao Cup triumph — their first trophy in 70 years — Newcastle seized the chance to climb the table after Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Ipswich. Harvey Barnes’ second-half brace sealed a fourth straight league win and handed Manchester United their 14th defeat of the season.
With Eddie Howe absent due to illness, Newcastle went ahead in the 24th minute through Sandro Tonali, who volleyed home after clever play from Alexander Isak. United equalized via Alejandro Garnacho, but fell apart after the break.
Barnes tapped in Jacob Murphy’s cross early in the second half, then capitalized on a defensive slip to score again. Bruno Guimaraes added a fourth after a poor pass from debutant keeper Altay Bayindir, securing Newcastle’s first league double over United in 94 years.
The win moves Newcastle within a point of third-place Nottingham Forest, with a game in hand against Crystal Palace on Wednesday. Meanwhile, United shift focus to their Europa League quarter-final second leg against Lyon, hoping to keep their own Champions League hopes alive.
