Fulham twice blew the opportunity to jump out of the bottom three with defeats against Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Adama Traore’s injury-time winner on Friday night at Craven Cottage was cheered on Tyneside as Steve Bruce’s side headed to Turf Moor.
Goals from Jacob Murphy and Allan Saint-Maximin decided a nervy encounter for the Magpies, who increased their lead over the 18th place Cottagers to six points.
However, as much as things look a lot brighter for United, it isn’t over yet.
West Brom are showing signs of improvement, while Brighton & Hove Albion and Burnley are far from out of danger.
Here’s how it’s being tipped to play out in the eyes of data analysts FiveThirtyEight.
1. Manchester City - 88 points
It’s a matter of when rather than if Man City lift the Premier League title as they sit 11 points above second placed Manchester United. Current points tally: 74. Photo: Miklos Szabo
2. Manchester United - 76 points
It’s been an OK season for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, who are predicted to finish in a Champions League spot as runners up. Current points tally: 63. Photo: DAVE THOMPSON
3. Liverpool - 67 points (GD+25)
No one could have predicted this last month but after three consecutive wins in the Premier League, Jurgen Klopp’s side are predicted to finish 3rd. Current points tally: 52 Photo: Laurence Griffiths
4. Leicester City - 67 points (GD+21)
Back-to-back defeats for the Foxes have prompted fears of missing out on the top four, but they’re being tipped to see it through… just. Current points tally: 56 Photo: Alex Pantling