Newcastle’s last-gasp win over Nottingham Forest on Friday night football has brought Manchester United into a “real fight” for a top-four finish, says Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher.
Alexander Isak scored twice, including a stoppage-time penalty, at Forest as Newcastle won for the first time this season as they came from behind to win back-to-back wins as they moved within three points of third-placed Man Utd. who they will play next in the Premier League at St James’ Park after the international break.
“What that result does is put Manchester United back in the group in terms of the top four positions,” Carragher told Sky Sports.
“I think for a long time we have felt that United were guaranteed to be in the top four – Gary Neville went so far as to say that they would finish second.
“But now it looks like they are in a real fight to be in the top four, especially with Newcastle playing Manchester United next.”
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe will take part of his squad to Dubai during the international break as he turns his attention to their big game against Man Utd on April 2, live on Sky sports.
“I don’t know if this break will be a bad thing for them because they are in very good shape,” Carragher added.
“That game against Man Utd feels huge, I think if they could win that, I mean psychologically bring Man Utd back into the race for the top four, and not just for them, but for the other contenders as well.”
Nev: Liverpool, Spurs have more experience
Alexander Isak celebrates his victory at Nottingham Forest with Bruno Guimaraes
Manchester United are not in Premier League action before the international break due to their FA Cup quarter-final match against Fulham at Old Trafford on Sunday.
With the Carabao Cup winners still struggling on three fronts and manager Erik ten Hag facing a series of headaches due to injury and suspension, Man Utd face a far tougher schedule than Newcastle.
But sky sports Pundit Gary Neville believes the Magpies will not have enough to challenge Liverpool, Tottenham and Man Utd for the remaining top two four spots on the line.
“Newcastle have a clear run until the end of the season,” Neville said. United have progressed in the FA Cup and the Europa League is made more difficult by the fact that they have Casemiro banned for the next four games, which is a big difference.
“Newcastle with these last two wins is in a position where they will really try.
“But I still think that Liverpool, Tottenham and United have a bit more experience.
“This is the time to get in shape. Eddie Howe won’t be carried away, but he’ll be a lot more confident after this week.”
Carra: Riots in Liverpool, Spurs help Newcastle
Carragher disagrees with Neville and believes Newcastle are better placed than Tottenham and Liverpool to secure a top four finish.
“What I would say about Tottenham and Liverpool, the two teams that Gary probably wants to finish above Newcastle, there seems to be a bit of unease at both clubs,” Carragher said.
“You see Tottenham with the manager and Liverpool at the moment producing performances that you can’t believe. I don’t think you understand that with Newcastle. When I watch them and they don’t win, it’s still a very good performance.” – They went to Man City and the chances they wasted.
“I rarely see Newcastle and I’m not impressed.”
