There were times in Manchester United’s winter surge when they threatened to charge to the top of the table. Now, however, they are not even the top United in the standings. The most seismic result of Eddie Howe’s time in charge of Newcastle United meant they leapfrogged the other United. Third in the league in April, their Champions League dream is looking increasingly realistic.
If this was a catalytic triumph, enabling them to climb above Erik ten Hag’s team on goal difference, it was also the flagship result they had largely been lacking. Their best win of the season had been victory at Tottenham: admirable but, in October, scarcely decisive. With the pressure on, they played with renewed purpose, with incessant energy that Manchester United lacked, and a confidence that they could beat one of the best. They did, utterly deservedly, and a team who lost their way in February are back on a path towards the European elite. Manchester United, meanwhile, could be out of the top four on Monday evening. One never-ending Europa League run could give way to another.
