If this proves Erik ten Hag’s farewell to Old Trafford, at least it summed up some of the finest elements of the Dutchman’s fraught second season at Manchester United. There was entertainment in abundance and goals by three youngsters; Kobbie Mainoo and Amad Diallo were given their chance by Ten Hag, Rasmus Hojlund signed by him. A patched-up team delivered a victory against one of the better teams in the country, Casemiro was talismanic if also culpable, the Stretford End sang supportively and the roof didn’t leak.
In the bigger picture, it may only postpone various forms of disappointment for four days. United need to better Newcastle’s result on Sunday to move out of eighth and avoid their lowest finish for 34 years. Stay there and they will need to win the FA Cup to qualify for Europe. Eddie Howe’s side may instead be the United in continental competition next season. Newcastle are still on course to finish above Manchester United for the first time since 1975, but now there is some final-day jeopardy for the Geordies.
