Why Manchester United's Selhurst Park voodoo could benefit Newcastle United

It is no secret that Manchester United are severely underperforming compared to last season.

Erik ten Hag's side have had to kiss goodbye to UEFA Champions League qualification in recent weeks, with a second successive FA Cup final with Manchester City the only shining light for the Red Devils now to look forward to.

A 1-1 draw with relegation-threatened Burnley just days ago has once again dealt a hammer blow to Man Utd's hopes of finishing in the top seven, with Newcastle United breathing down their necks as the quest for European qualification looks set to go right down to the wire.

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The Magpies, who can mathematically finish as high as fifth, could be conservatively looking to book a spot in next season's Europa League group stages, with Ten Hag's men currently occupying that final spot in sixth position.

It is however worth noting that Manchester United will have to wait until their top-six rivals have all played this weekend, with a trip to Crystal Palace in the schedule for Monday. Selhurst Park hasn't been a happy hunting ground for Ten Hag either, with the Dutchman yet to register a win at the home of the Eagles during his time in England.

In fact, you have to go back to July 2020 for the last time the Red Devils evaded Palace's stomping ground with three points, a 2-0 win under then boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with goals from Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial helping Man Utd on their way.

For Newcastle, it is merely business as usual this coming weekend, with Vincent Kompany's Burnley standing in their way. A win at Turf Moor would see Eddie Howe's side leapfrog the FA Cup finalists and take another huge step towards European qualification this season.