Man Utd down Magpies to keep alive European hopes
Manchester United kept alive their hopes of salvaging a dismal season by qualifying for Europe as Amad Diallo's rocket inspired a 3-2 win against Newcastle on Wednesday. Erik ten Hag's side are battling to secure a seventh place finish in the Premier League, which could secure a place in next season's Uefa Conference League. United will qualify for the Europa League if they win the FA Cup final against Manchester City on May 25. But if City triumph at Wembley then seventh will be enough for a Conference League spot. And eighth-placed United are still in the hunt for that place after beating Newcastle to move level on points with the seventh-placed Magpies. Goals from Kobbie Mainoo, Diallo and Rasmus Hojlund at Old Trafford gave United only their third win in nine league games. However, United's goal difference is vastly inferior to Newcastle's, meaning they must better the Magpies' result in the last game of the season. United travel to Brighton on Sunday, while Newcastle head to Brentford. Newcastle's defeat means fifth-placed Tottenham are guaranteed to be in the Europa League next season. Sixth placed Chelsea won 2-1 at Brighton in Wednesday's other game to move closer to European qualification after a turbulent campaign. Cole Palmer put Chelsea ahead with the 22nd league goal of his superb season in the 34th minute. Christopher Nkunku doubled Chelsea's advantage in the 64th minute with his third league goal of an injury-plagued first season with the club. Mauricio Pochettino's side host Bournemouth on Sunday knowing a draw will be enough to earn a European berth, with fifth place still in play if they win and Tottenham lose at Sheffield United. (AFP)