Newcastle United 1-2 Manchester United - Report

Despite the exclusion of Sir Alex Ferguson, United have come away from St.James' Park with an impressive 2-1 victory over fellow Premeirship title contenders Newcastle United.

The United boss was sent to the stands by referee Uriah Rennie after swearing at a linesman following a poor decision. The fourth official was quick to inform Rennie of Sir Alex's reaction to the decision, and the red card was quickly shown.

Goals from Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Paul Scholes cancelled out Alan Shearer's early header to give United all three points against the Magpies.

Eric Djemba-Djemba made his first start for United in replacement for Nicky Butt, with the media's new favourite Cristiano Ronaldo named amongst the substitutes.

Newcastle were missing both Craig Bellamy and Jonathan Woodgate, who were replaced by Shola Amiobi and Titus Bramble.

The game started at a quick pace, and Newcastle's 'keeper Shay Given was soon called into the action. The Irish international made a blocking save from a John O'Shea header in the third minute.

Silvestre was in the thick of the action again moments later, as he challenged Ameobi in the box. The Newcastle striker fell to the floor, and his fellow team-mates screamed for a penalty, but the referee waved play on.

Minutes later it was the United team that were appealing to the referee as Ryan Giggs was clearly pulled back by Andy O'Brien when through on goal. It looked certain to be an early bath for the Newcastle defender, but amazingly Uriah Rennie waved play-on.

Sir Alex Ferguson was furious at the decision, and ran up to the touchline shouting at the linesman. The fourth official was quickly up to restrain the United boss, and then after a brief discussion with Rennie, Ferguson was sent to the stands for the remainder of the game.

Things got worse for United, as the home side took the lead on the 25-minute mark through Alan Shearer. Robert's free-kick from the left-hand side found the Magpies skipper, who powered the ball past Tim Howard in the United goal.

The goal came as a real wake-up call for United, who had been on the back foot for the majority of the opening exchanges.

The Red Devils responded well, and started to have long spells of pressure as they looked for an equaliser. Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Ryan Giggs both went close before the break, but Newcastle held on and went in at the break with a single goal lead.

Half Time - Newcastle United 1-0 Manchester United

United showed far more aggression in the early part of the second-half, and could have got back on level terms just three minutes into the second-half.

Ruud Van Nistelrooy found himself one-on-one with Shay Given after latching onto a through ball, but the Dutch hit man sent his shot inches wide.

The striker made up for it minutes later though, with a fine equaliser. Roy Keane played a neat pass though the Newcastle defence to Van Nistelrooy, who drilled his shot home to put United level. His goal was his tenth consecutive goal in league games, a new record.

United were rampant, and took the lead courtesy of Paul Scholes on the hour-mark. Roy Keane, who had a fantastic game, sent a cross into the Newcastle box, which evaded the Magpies defence and was put home by Scholes on his chest.

The Reds held there lead superbly well, dominating possession, and Newcastle struggled to create any decent chances.

Ruud Van Nistelrooy went close to securing the victory for United, with a powerful drive that went wide, and Paul Scholes also had a header saved by Given as the clock ticked down.

The moment many supporters had waited for came in the 76th minute, when Cristiano Ronaldo came on to replace the hard-working Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Ronaldo showed more silky skills in his 14 minutes of action, and although he looks like becoming a class act for the club, I cannot get carried away by him yet considering he has only played 40 minutes of football in the United shirt.

Diego Forlan was introduced as a time-wasting ploy on the 90-minute mark. The Uruguayan forward came on for Ryan Giggs.

Newcastle almost claimed an undeserved point in the final seconds when Michael Chopra charged into the United box, but was tackled by Rio Ferdinand before he could fire a shot at goal.

United's victory sees them go top of the Premiership on goal difference, and will be confident of another 3 points on Wednesday when last placed Wolverhampton Wanderers visit Old Trafford.

Dave Jones' Midlands-outfit have conceded 9 goals in their opening two Premiership fixtures, and are looking set to struggle as they battle to save their Premiership status.

Full Time - Newcastle United 1-2 Manchester United

Manchester United: Howard; Neville P., Ferdinand, Silvestre, O’Shea; Solskjaer (Ronaldo, 76),  Keane, Scholes, Djemba-Djemba; van Nistelrooy, Giggs (Forlan, 90).
Substitutes: Carroll, Kleberson, Fletcher.

The skipper battled so hard in midfield, and also set-up United's winner in what was a great day for United.

Keane and Djemba-Djemba looked a good partnership in midfield, and one Sir Alex might try to play more often over the coming season.

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