For all the high praise that Steven Gerrard has enjoyed since being appointed as boss of Aston Villa, Newcastle - incredibly - could be just five points behind the second city club if they beat them on Sunday.
Of course, that's still a big "if" but if United go about their business in the same manner they did against Everton there is no reason not to believe it can be three wins on the spin.
Eddie Howe pointed to the importance of two wins back to back in the build-up to the clash with the Toffees but he will probably struggle to put it into words what THREE wins on the spin could do for Newcastle's survival hopes.
After a night in which Watford picked up nothing at West Ham and Burnley could only take a point at home to Manchester United, Newcastle climbed out of the bottom three for the first time since September and it felt great.
LISTEN: NEWCASTLE 3-1 EVERTON - THE MATCH REVIEW PODCAST
There was even a question from one reporter about the prospect of the top 10 should Newcastle beat Gerrard and co on Sunday, but Howe simply quipped: "It's funny how quickly the questions switch."
Indeed, given the fickle nature of the Premier League, Howe knows how quickly things can go the other way and how one round of results can change the landscape again.
Victory for Norwich over Crystal Palace would sadly see Newcastle slip back into the bottom three but psychologically last night was massive.
Matt Targett shines on debut but is set to miss out vs Villa
You won't get a more solid debut than the former England Under-21's display against Everton.
Targett showed his Premier League quality and impressed in front of watching England boss Gareth Southgate but unfortunately due to the terms of his loan, he won't be able to face his parent club Villa.
In the build-up to Sunday's game, Gerrard said he didn't want Targett to leave: "This was his decision.
"When we were linked with Lucas, I had a conversation with Matt.
"I said I’d always be honest with him and I expected it back from him."
Newcastle's Diego Costa link - and why they may not need him
The former Chelsea star was available on a free transfer during the transfer window after he was released from Brazilian side Atletico Mineiro.
After Costa was offered around to a clutch of Premier League clubs, including Newcastle, the question did get fans excited.
However, in the end, Newcastle have ended up sticking with the forward players they have.
Given Allan Saint-Maximin is in sparkling form, United still have Dwight Gayle and Miguel Almiron can play further forward there are still other options despite Callum Wilson's absence with injury until the end of the season.
United tried landing Jesse Lingard on deadline day but refused to crumble to Man United's asking price in the end.
That one may be revisited at the end of the season.
But bringing in a high profile star like Costa was resisted at this stage, not just by Newcastle by the way, and there may be good reasons for that.
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