Manchester United moved a step closer to Champions League qualification as Ashley Young’s 89th-minute goal clinched a dramatic 1-0 win against Newcastle on Wednesday.
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Louis van Gaal’s team looked set to lose ground on their rivals in the race for the top four places until Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul gifted Young his first goal in 14 months with just a minute to go at St James’ Park.
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The match was heading towards United’s eighth league draw of the season before Wayne Rooney made a late break and Krul could only divert his attempted clearance to Young, who coolly finished at the far post.
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With all of United’s top-four rivals winning, it was a crucial goal that kept Van Gaal’s men in fourth place, two points ahead of Liverpool.
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Although it was tough luck on Newcastle, it was also a poignant day for the Magpies as winger Jonas Gutierrez wore the black and white stripes for the first time in 17 months following his cancer scare, coming on as a second half substitute.
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The first real chance fell to John Carver’s side as the home support howled for a 10th minute penalty as Emmanuel Riviere wriggled away from Chris Smalling’s challenge and was sent tumbling to the ground.
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It looked every inch a spot kick, but referee Anthony Taylor waved away the penalty claim.
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Minutes later, Rooney intelligently created a yard of space deep in the Magpies box for Ander Herrera, who flashed his right foot shot wide of the upright.
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Midway through the half Rooney fluffed a glorious opportunity as Young’s heavy touch fell to the England skipper with just Krul to beat.
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Rooney spun and dinked his shot past the advancing Dutch keeper but the ball rolled just past the post.
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A rare mistake by Fabricio Coloccini on the flank let in his fellow countryman Angel Di Maria, who raced towards the box and crossed for Rooney, only for the United striker to lose control at the vital moment, allowing Krul to burst off his line and smother the chance.
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