Jamie Carragher believes Alexander Isak’s last-minute winner has dragged Manchester United back into the Champions League race. On the day of the Carabao Cup final, the Red Devils were eight points above Newcastle United in the league.
An upturn in form under Erik ten Hag made Man United firm favourites to secure a top-four finish. However, underwhelming performances since then, combined with Newcastle rediscovering their form, has blown the race wide open.
The Magpies earned a stoppage-time victory over Nottingham Forest on Friday night - slashing the deficit to just three points. Both sides go head-to-head at St James’ Park after the international break and, if Newcastle win, they will move above Ten Hag’s side on goal difference.
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Many, including Carragher, expected the final Champions League spot to be contested between Newcastle, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Brighton. But the former Reds defender now thinks there could be two spots up for grabs.
“What that result does is it brings Manchester United into the pack in terms of the top four positions,” Carragher told Sky Sports post-match. “For a long time, we felt Man United were guaranteed to be in the top four.
“I mean, Gary went as far as to say they would finish second! But now it looks like that in a real fight now to be in the top four, especially with Newcastle playing Manchester United next.”
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