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.
5. Chelsea - 66 points (GD+23)
Narrowly tipped to miss out is Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea. A controversial call given the German has lost just once as Blues boss. Current points tally: 54. Photo: BEN STANSALL
6. West Ham United - 66 points (GD+14)
Europa League football is being predicted for West Ham, which would be viewed as a solid achievement after the dust settles. Current points tally: 55. Photo: Pool
7. Tottenham Hotspur - 61 points
If this turns out to be true then Spurs’ season really does rest on the Carabao Cup final with Manchester City in a few weeks’ time. Current points tally: 49. Photo: JULIAN FINNEY
8. Arsenal - 57 points (GD+12)
Arsenal are being tipped to enjoy a strong(ish) finish to the season and overtake Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton in 8th position. Current points tally: 45. Photo: CATHERINE IVILL