Magic slays Man United – Newcastle, with a man down, wakes Devils from dream

In a phenomenal clash between Newcastle and Manchester United, we witnessed just about everything — a red card, plenty of tension, quality chances, and goals, before it all ended with a victory for the home side.

The Red Devils’ excellent run of form was halted in the dying moments by substitute William Osula, who produced a brilliant solo run and finish to secure the win and three points for his team.

Earlier in the match, Gordon had scored from the penalty spot for Newcastle, while Casemiro found the net for the visitors.

The first half at St James’ Park between Newcastle and Manchester United delivered drama, chances, controversy and two late goals in a breathtaking 45 minutes.

Newcastle threatened as early as the 3rd minute. Kieran Trippier burst down the right and attempted to whip the ball into the box, but it awkwardly slipped over his foot and crashed against the United post, nearly catching everyone by surprise.

Manchester United responded in the 7th minute through Matheus Cunha, who tried his luck from around 20 meters, but his effort sailed high over the Newcastle goal.

The Magpies continued to look sharper. In the 13th minute, Anthony Elanga found himself almost unmarked inside the box and struck a first-time volley, only to see it flash just wide of the post. Moments later, Harvey Barnes had another promising opportunity after a clever backheel from Anthony Gordon set him up on the edge of the area, but his shot also drifted wide.

By the 20th minute, Newcastle had clearly shown more intent than the Red Devils. Tonali fired another attempt from the edge of the box, yet like several before it, the ball missed the target. Joelinton and Barnes also tried their luck later in the half, but without seriously troubling the goalkeeper.

United came back into the game late in the half. In the 42nd minute, Kobbie Mainoo struck first-time from a Mbeumo pass, producing a powerful effort that forced Ramsdale into an excellent save.

Three minutes later came a massive chance for the visitors. Cunha produced a brilliant run down the left and tested Ramsdale, who reacted superbly once again. The rebound fell to Mbeumo, but the Cameroon international failed to control it properly and blasted over the bar from close range.

The chaos intensified in stoppage time. In the 45+2 minute, Jacob Ramsey was shown a second yellow card and sent off after attempting to go around goalkeeper Lammens and then going down theatrically. Referee Peter Bankes interpreted it as simulation and dismissed him.

Just two minutes later, Newcastle were awarded a penalty. Gordon drove into the box from the left and was brought down by Bruno Fernandes, leaving the referee no choice but to point to the spot. Gordon stepped up himself in the 45+4 minute and calmly converted to give the Magpies a 1-0 lead.

But the drama was far from over. In the 45+9 minute, Manchester United struck back. Bruno delivered a dangerous free-kick from the right, and Casemiro rose highest to power a brilliant header past Ramsdale, leveling the score at 1-1.

The second half at St James’ Park continued in the same intense rhythm, with both sides pushing for a decisive breakthrough after an explosive opening 45 minutes.

Newcastle registered the first attempt of the half in the 53rd minute. Anthony Gordon tried his luck from around 20 meters, but his effort lacked power and was comfortably gathered by Lammens in the Manchester United goal.

Just a minute later came a huge miss. Sandro Tonali delivered an excellent corner to the back post, where Gordon found himself completely unmarked. However, he made a mess of the opportunity, sending his attempt wide of the goal in what was a disastrous finish from close range.

Manchester United responded in the 75th minute with a very good chance of their own. Bruno Fernandes produced a superb delivery to Yoro at the far post. The defender struck it well, but Aaron Ramsdale once again demonstrated outstanding reflexes to deny United.

Ramsdale continued to shine late on. In the 89th minute, Joshua Zirkzee unleashed a powerful long-range strike that seemed destined for the net, but the Newcastle goalkeeper reacted brilliantly to keep the score level.

Then, in the 90th minute, St James’ Park erupted. William Osula, who had been on the pitch for only five minutes, produced a sensational solo run, creating the chance entirely on his own before finishing clinically past Lammens. It was a stunning late winner for Newcastle — a moment of individual brilliance that ignited scenes of pure celebration and sealed a dramatic victory for the Magpies.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 29

Tuesday

Bournemouth - Brentford 0-0

Everton - Burnley 2-0 (1-0)

/Tarkowski 32, Dewsbury-Hall 60/

Leeds - Sunderland 0-1 (0-0)

/Diarra 70 (p)/

Wolverhampton - Liverpool 2-1 (0-0)

/Gomes R. 78, Andre 90+4 - Salah 83/

Wednesday

Aston Villa - Chelsea 1-4 (1-2)

/Luiz 2 - Pedro 35, 45+6, 64, Palmer 55/

Brighton - Arsenal 0-1 (0-1)

/Saka 9/

Fulham - West Ham 0-1 (0-0)

/Summerville 65/

Man. City - Nott. Forest 2-2 (1-0)

/Semenyo 31, Rodri 62 - Gibbs-White 56, Anderson 76/

Newcastle - Man. Utd. 2-1 (1-1)

/Gordon 45+6 pen, Osula 90 - Casemiro 45+9/

Thursday

23.00: (2.45) Tottenham (3.40) Crystal Palace (3.05)

***odds are subject to change***