A victory to turn the tide, but only if they give peace a chance

WRONG city, obviously, but to quote John and Yoko: war is over (if you want it). This was a result that could, that should, be the turning point for Jose Mourinho and the feuding factions at Manchester United, but only if they are prepared to give peace a chance. The manager can be indulged his speech about manhunts, witch-hunts and other wickedness in the immediate aftermath of the game. It was an emotional moment — 2-0 down at home to Newcastle with 20 minutes remaining, 3-2 up in injury time. If he felt a sense of vindication, if he felt like answering the critics and the speculation around his future at Old Trafford, who can really blame him? Yet that should be it. This is a result on which a reversal of fortune can be built, but all sides must buy into it: Mourinho in particular. If Paul Pogba, or his agent, wishes to spout — let him spout. He will emerge friendless from any future confrontation. There were so many positives in the way United got back into the game against Newcastle, so many opportunities to draw a line under previous negative narratives. Pogba was the man of the match, a crucial influence as United turned the second-half around; Alexis Sanchez scored the winning goal — his first in the league since March 31 — and as good as pushed Anthony Martial out of the way to do it. Most importantly, here was a United team that satisfied the demands of their supporters. Attack, attack, attack, they cry — and, for once, United did. It shouldn’t take a two-goal deficit, however, to play with abandon. Mourinho has to appreciate this is the style the locals expect. They can all rally around this and, supported by the board in January, Mourinho’s Manchester United can come again. But he has to want that more than he wants another fight. They all do.