According to Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher, Manchester United is facing a tough battle for a top-four finish after Newcastle’s late win at Nottingham Forest. Alexander Isak scored two goals, including a last-minute penalty, to secure a 2-1 victory for the Magpies. The result moved Newcastle to within a point of fourth-placed Tottenham and only three points behind United in third, with the North East club having a far greater goal difference. Eddie Howe’s team will welcome the Red Devils to St James’ Park next after the international break in what promises to be a huge scrap for a Champions League spot.
Carragher believes Erik ten Hag’s team is in a big battle to secure a spot in the top four as he told Sky Sports: “That result pulls Manchester United into the pack, especially with Newcastle playing Manchester United next. Newcastle will have to get used to this. They’re going to be involved in European football, they’ll be expected to go further in cups.”
Carragher also praised Newcastle’s running system, saying that he loves watching them play. He added that the big thing for Newcastle and Tottenham is the fact that Tottenham has to go to United. He also noted that there is unrest at both Liverpool and Tottenham, but he doesn’t think that’s the case at Newcastle. Even when they don’t win a game, it’s still a really good performance. Carragher thinks that this break may actually be coming at a bad time for them.
Meanwhile, United legend Gary Neville also agreed with Carragher, especially with key midfielder Casemiro starting a four-match ban after his red card against Southampton. Neville said: “United will be without Casemiro in the next four matches which will make a big difference, and Newcastle are now in a position where they can make a good push. This is the time to hit form, but there’s still a long way to go. Eddie Howe won’t be getting carried away, but he will feel more confident after the last few days. It’s a really tough run-in for Newcastle.”
Neville also praised Newcastle’s measured transition in the way they chose their manager and brought players in. He said that there are some pretty solid characters in that dressing room and that they’ve got a great chance. Neville is stunned as to where they are this season and thought they would be seventh or eighth. He congratulated Eddie Howe and the players and said that it looks like they’ve just turned a corner.
Isak is on a roll, and he’s really important to Newcastle. Callum Wilson is going to struggle to get into the team. Sky Sports pundits Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher believe that United faces a fight for the top four. The international break will give teams time to regroup and prepare for the final stretch of the season. It remains to be seen who will come out on top and secure a spot in the top four.