Man Utd defeated Newcastle 3-2 in their final match at Old Trafford in the 2023-2024 Premier League, keeping their hopes of qualifying for European competition alive.
In his second start of the season, replacing Antony and Marcus Rashford, midfielder Amad Diallo shone with a goal and an assist, helping the “Red Devils” take the lead twice. Forward Rasmus Hojlund came on and added another goal for the home team, allowing them to draw level on points with Newcastle in seventh place, though still behind on goal difference.
Casemiro and Amrabat had a match full of effort
Amad, 22 years old, had to wait until the penultimate games of the season to be given a chance, and he did not disappoint. In the 31st minute, the Ivorian international made a through pass from the right into the box for Bruno Fernandes. However, the ball deflected off an opposing player and reached a free Kobbie Mainoo instead. The 19-year-old midfielder easily scored with a low shot into the near corner, staying onside thanks to Kieran Trippier’s position.
Mainoo scored, but Casemiro was involved in more crucial moments on the field. In the 35th minute, defensive midfielder Sofyan Amrabat lost the ball dangerously near the penalty area, allowing Anthony Gordon to intercept and charge forward. However, Casemiro quickly slid in to tackle the ball before Gordon could shoot. Both the referee and VAR decided not to award Newcastle a penalty, despite Amrabat kicking Gordon’s heel, which tore the striker’s sock.
Just two minutes later, Casemiro again made a crucial intervention, heading the ball off the goal line from a Dan Burn shot. Whoscored rated the Brazilian midfielder 7.3 for this match, the highest among Man Utd’s defenders, despite him continuing to play as a center-back.
Casemiro’s efforts couldn’t prevent the team from conceding, as Amrabat made another mistake with a poor touch early in the second half. Visiting midfielder Jacob Murphy seized the opportunity to make a low cross for Gordon, who tapped in from close range to equalize at 1-1. But just eight minutes later, Amad shone with a follow-up shot from about 15 meters out, after a cleared corner. His powerful strike flew into the far corner, beyond goalkeeper Martin Dubravka’s reach.
Amad Diallo had an excellent match and proved his ability
Amad’s performance earned him a match-high rating of 8.6. When he left the field to make way for Hojlund, tens of thousands of Old Trafford fans stood up to applaud him.
It was Hojlund who scored the third goal for the “Red Devils,” receiving a nutmeg pass from Fernandes through Joelinton’s legs. The Danish forward switched the ball to his right foot and shot low across the goal from the edge of the box, making it 3-1. A beautiful long-range goal by 20-year-old defender Lewis Hall during injury time was not enough for Newcastle to turn the game around.
Man Utd still hold their fate in their hands for a Europa League spot next season if they win against Man City in the FA Cup final on May 25. If they lose that match, their chances of qualifying for the Europa League are slim, as they trail Chelsea by three points and significantly in goal difference. Before that, Erik ten Hag’s team will compete with Newcastle for a spot in the third-tier European competition, the Conference League, in the final round of the Premier League.