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.
13. Southampton - 44 points
The league season has petered out for the Saints after topping the table in November. All the focus is on the FA Cup semi-final with Leicester City. Current points tally: 36. Photo: CLIVE BRUNSKILL
14. Crystal Palace - 43 points
A comfortable finish predicted for Palace, who are preparing for a big summer with Roy Hodgson and a number of first-team players out of contract. Current points tally: 38. Photo: IAN WALTON
15. Brighton and Hove Albion - 43 points
A bizarre season for Brighton so far but the most important thing for them is they’re being predicted to retain their Premier League status. Current points tally: 33. Photo: JOHN WALTON
16. Burnley - 40 points
Sean Dyche’s side are tipped to get to the magic 40 points - which should be more than enough to survive in the Premier League this season. Current points tally: 33. Photo: PETER POWELL