Manchester United keep alive European qualification hopes

MANCHESTER, England (AP):

Manchester United kept their hopes of European qualification alive through placing in the English Premier League by beating Newcastle 3-2 yesterday.

A strike by substitute Rasmus Hojlund in the 84th minute was the difference between the teams at Old Trafford as under-pressure United manager Erik ten Hag gained a much-needed victory in their last home game of the season.

The hosts joined seventh-place Newcastle on 57 points but have an inferior goal difference. Both clubs are three points behind sixth-place Chelsea, who won 2-1 at Brighton yesterday.

The teams finishing sixth and seventh place should qualify for the Europa League and Europa Conference League, respectively. United could also play in the Europa League by winning the FA Cup final against Manchester City on May 25.

Kobbie Mainoo put United ahead in the 31st after a pass was slipped through the Newcastle defence by Amad Diallo, who regained the lead for the hosts with a fierce left-footed shot through a crowd of players after a 57th-minute corner wasn't fully cleared.

Anthony Gordon had equalised in the 49th and Lewis Hall ensured a nervy finish to the game for Man United by making it 3-2 in stoppage time.