REDS OPEN FLOODGATES

No waterfall from the leaky Old Trafford roof... but the goals flow as Ten Hag's quest for European spot goes down to the wire

- ANDY DUNN

WITH his jacket and tie, Erik ten Hag was dressed for a special occasion.

Whether or not that special occasion was his last game at Old Trafford as a Manchester United manager remains to be seen.

The chances are that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his growing entourage have already decided Ten Hag's fate, and that even a trophy-winning finale to a loss-heavy season will not keep the Dutchman (left) in position.

But at least the new coowners and, more importantly, the fanbase, finally got a glimpse of what could be more buoyant times ahead - with or without Ten Hag.

Newcastle will have considered themselves unfortunate to leave with nothing, but they were undone by the audacity of youth, combined with the know-how and intelligence of seniority.

They were undone by Kobbie Mainoo and Amad, combined with Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro.

One of United's young players, Rasmus Hojlund, was actually given a breather for most of the night and Ten Hag would have been excused for taking no chances with players who were feeling the physical strain. e might have thought about resting the likes of Amad or Mainoo but it is just as well he didn't.