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.
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.