Man Utd vs Newcastle LIVE: Premier League result and reaction as hosts clinch win in five-goal thriller

Erik ten Hag was also drawn into the importance of this evening’s match which United need to win in order to have a chance at qualifying for Europe next season.

He said: “It is clear that this is a very important game. Look at the ranking [of the table]. It is very important to get the win. We have to put everything in it to get the win and we have to fight hard for it.”

Manchester United’s star performer, Bruno Fernandes, could make a return to the team tonight and Erik ten Hag has been praising his captain saying:

“I think that it is clear. He is, also now, but I think in all the years, I think he was a tremendously important player for Manchester United and creating the most chances across the whole Premier League.

“So many assists, so many goals, it is clear he is a very important player for us.”

Under-fire Erik ten Hag does not believe Manchester United’s match against Newcastle will prove his last in the Old Trafford dugout.

The 54-year-old’s future is subject of widespread speculation given the way things have dramatically gone off course following a promising first season in the hotseat.

Ten Hag has managed to lead injury-ravaged United to another FA Cup final against Manchester City, but their wretched league form has seen doubts over his future as Ineos makes sweeping changes.

After a Champions League campaign that ended in the group stages this season, Newcastle have the chance to secure more European football when they face Man Utd tonight.

Eddie Howe said: “We find ourselves in this position, and it is where we deserve to be. We will be hoping to finish off these two games strongly.

“We must make sure our players go to Manchester United in really good spirits, confident and prepared. Our motivation is to qualify for Europe.”

Midfielder Elliot Anderson has impressed for Newcastle this season and Eddie Howe spoke of how the 21-year-old has settled into his role(s) in the first team.

Howe said: “Elliot has come through the academy here. When I first came to the club, we were aware of him and his talents. He’s really worked on all aspects of the game, and I think he’s been really reliable for us.

“Whatever position I have used in him, he has done very well. Tactically I have asked him to do a couple of things that the team has needed, and he’s done it very well. I am really pleased with his level of maturity and his tactical understanding.”

Nick Pope has returned to the Newcastle squad after recovering from a shoulder injury but Eddie Howe isn’t sure if he is ready to play yet.

The manager said: “Nick is a player who has come back from a serious injury, a big problem to a big area of the body for a goalkeeper.

“He has still been getting his rhythm back from the training work he has been doing. I am really pleased with how he’s looked. He has continued to improve through training.

“Every game I have a decision to make and that will be another one.”

As well as a dramatic title race, the Premier League is heading for a frantic late scramble to decide the final European places this season - with several spots still up for grabs as we enter the final week of the campaign.

Aston Villa are in the driving seat to secure the fourth Champions League place, in what would be a stunning achievement for Unai Emery’s side. But Tottenham Hotspur are still mathematically in with a shout, even if a poor run of form for Ange Postecoglou’s side has Spurs looking over their shoulders as well.

Manchester United, meanwhile, have suddenly dropped out of the race for sixth, as both Newcastle United and Chelsea enjoy resurgent ends to difficult campaigns. So, with a week of the season to go, here’s how the battle for the final European places is shaping up.

Newcastle’s last visit to Old Trafford came in November when they swept the Red Devils aside 3-0 in the Carabao Cup. Eddie Howe acknowledged that his team’s previous performance here was superb but doesn’t believe that result will have any baring on tonight’s encounter.

“It was a moment where we were beginning to experience some injuries - it was a real team effort, a real team performance,” he said.

“That game has no relevance to this one. It is a new challenge and I back the players. The players will embrace the pressure and be ready for the game.”

“It is a massive fixture,” said Eddie Howe when asked to describe his feelings building up to the match.

“We are coming to the end of the season, we are desperate to do well in the game and we will do everything we can to try and win.

“We back the players to give a performance. We don’t underestimate Manchester United - we know how tough it will be. We are under no illusions of the magnitude of this game.

“It is a time to enjoy the situation we are in.”

Both of Newcastle prime strikers, Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson, have niggling injuries which may prevent them from taking to the field tonight.

Newcastle boss, Eddie Howe said on Tuesday: “Alex didn’t train yesterday. We will see if he trains today. He wasn’t feeling 100 per cent (against Brighton), I think you could see that - we knew on Friday that he was slightly under the weather.

“We haven’t seen Callum yet. We will see if he is available to train today. If not, we will have him for Brentford.”