Liverpool legend turned pundit Jamie Carragher has claimed that Manchester United have been dragged back into the top four race following Eddie Howe's Newcastle United's late 2-1 win at City Ground against Nottingham Forest on Friday night.
Alexander Isak scored a brace including a stoppage time penalty to give Eddi Howe's men a 2-1 win and their second win of the year which places them one point behind Antonio Conte's Tottenham on the Premier League table.
The win on Friday night at City Ground extends the Mapgies' lead to five points ahead of Liverpool, while they need one more win to catch up with Erik Ten Hag's side, which has dropped five points in its last two games. Although Manchester United beat Newcastle United at Wembley in February to lift the Carabao Cup, Jamie Carragher believes the Tynesiders have dragged the Manchester-based club into a top-four race for the remainder of the Premier League campaign.
Jamie Carragher believes it's a good result as they are playing the Red Devils next at home in April after the international break. While reflecting on the match, the former Liverpool defender said: "That result pulls Manchester United into the pack, especially with Newcastle playing Manchester United next," Carragher told Sky Sports after the match.
"Newcastle will have to get used to this. They're going to be involved in European football, and they'll be expected to go further in cups. The thing that really impresses me is their running system. Forest went man to man, and they couldn't really cope with them. "I love watching them."
Jamie Carragher then went on to explain how the coming fixtures would have a big influence on the top four race as both Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur will host Erik Ten Hag's side before the end of this Premier League campaign.
"The big thing for Newcastle and Tottenham is the fact that Tottenham do have to go to United," he continued.
"The thing about Liverpool and Tottenham is that it feels like there's a little bit of unrest at both clubs." I don't think you get that at Newcastle. Even when they don't win a game, it's still a really good performance. I very rarely watch them and am not impressed. "This break may actually be coming at a bad time for them."
"Just because they're doing well doesn't mean they'll be there next year." Chelsea and Tottenham will be a lot stronger next season," Jamei Carragher explained.
Former Manchester United's right back Gary Neville also shared his opinion on the top four race and stressed that Manchester United will be missing the services of Casemiro, who will not be available for their next four matches as he will be serving his four-match ban following his red card against Southampton last weekend.
"United will be without Casemiro in the next four matches, which will make a big difference, and Newcastle are now in a position where they can make a good push," Neville said after Newcastle's victory.
"This is the time to hit form, but there's still a long way to go." Eddie Howe won't be getting carried away, but he will feel more confident after the last few days. "It's a really tough run-in for Newcastle."
"Chelsea, Tottenham, Liverpool, and other clubs have had disappointing seasons. "What I like about Newcastle is that it's been a measured transition in the way they chose their manager and brought players in."
"There are some pretty solid characters in that dressing room." "They've got a great chance."
"I'm stunned as to where they are this season," he added. "I thought they would be seventh or eighth." Well done to Eddie Howe, well done to the players, and it looks like they've just turned a corner. Isak is on a roll. He's really important to them. "Callum Wilson is going to struggle to get on the team," he asserted.
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