United crush the Barcodes yet again!

5-1 United !
By Chris,
February 24 2008

Manchester United produced a superb performance to thrash the Barcodes 5-1 at St.James’ Park. The Reds have now hit eleven goals passed Newcastle this season, with Sir Alex Ferguson getting yet another one over old rival Kevin Keegan in front of the Setanta Sports cameras on Saturday evening. Cristiano Ronaldo netted two goals, as did Wayne Rooney, whilst Louis Saha netted a last-gasp strike.

Most of the United faithful were confident of victory but a few were wary of the fact that the Barcodes are due a win and welcomed back a few big names to their match-day squad.

However, any doubters had clearly forgotten that Keegan is in charge of the Toon and that was always going to work in our favour! And sure enough - his woeful run of form since re-taking the job continued and the Red Devils steamrollered their way to a resounding victory to close the gap on leaders Arsenal to just three points.

Wayne Rooney, excellent throughout, volleyed home a Cristiano Ronaldo cross to open the scoring. 'Ronny' then turned scorer as he latched onto an excellent through pass from Michael Carrick before slotting the ball passed a helpless Shay Given.

United were rampant and Carlos Tevez spurned a header over as the home side struggled to keep the deficit at two goals during a fast-paced opening period.

The third-goal came 11 minutes after the interval - Ronaldo teasing Newcastle's backline before rounding substitute 'keeper Harper and stroking the ball into the empty net. The winger has now netted an astonishing 29 goals this season and boasts a two-goal lead in the race for the Premier League's golden boots.

Keegan’s beleaguered men gave themselves a glimmer of hope on 79 minutes as Abdoulaye Faye smashed home a corner but the Reds weren’t finished yet and sealed a triumphant win with two late goals. Rooney netted a sensational chip from the edge of the box only minutes later, whilst Louis Saha, introduced on 67 minutes, belted home the final goal of the game in injury-time.

United's front players were simply exceptional and never gave the sorry Barcodes a hope. Keegan will keep his job this season so long as he avoids the drop; but clearly wholesale changes are needed on Tyneside. Fergie’s men were brilliant and Arsenal, Chelsea, Lyon and more will certainly have noticed this latest five-star performance.

Full Time – Newcastle 1-5 Manchester United
Attendance – 52,291