Manchester United 'in a real fight to be in top-four’ - Carragher

After Newcastle United’s 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest on Friday, Jamie Carragher has claimed Manchester United have been pulled into a real fight for the top four.

Alexander Isak’s two goals, including a late penalty, against struggling Forest, helped Newcastle win for the first time this season when coming from behind to make it back-to-back victories.

The Magpies also moved to within three points of third-placed United.

To Carraggher, the result puts the Red Devils - who have been drawn against Sevilla in the Europa League - in a fight to finish in the top four.

"What that result does is bring Manchester United back into the pack in terms of the top four positions," the retired Liverpool star said as quoted by Sky Sports.

"I think for a long time we've felt that United were guaranteed to be in the top four - Gary Neville went as far as to say they would finish second.

"But now it looks like they're in a real fight to be in the top four, especially with Newcastle playing Manchester United next."

The Carabao Cup winners will face Newcastle after the international break, on April 2 at St James' Park.

"I don't know if this break will be a bad thing for them because they are in such good form," added Carragher," added Carragher.

"That game against Manchester United feels huge, and I think if they could win that, I mean psychologically, they'd bring Man Utd right back into the race for the top four race - and not just for them but for the other contenders."

Before the international break, Erik ten Hag’s side is not scheduled for a Premier League game as they will play Fulham in the FA Cup quarter-final on Sunday at Old Trafford.

Injuries and suspensions are set to cause a selection headache for the former Ajax manager as United chase three trophies.