The was no room in the starting line-up for Javier Hernandez as Sir Alex Ferguson opted for a front pairing of Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov. With Rio Ferdinand out injured, Jonny Evans partnered Nemanja Vidic in defence. Patrice Evra was a surprise inclusion, after playing no part in pre-season he was expected to make his first appearance this season against Fulham. There was no place for Michael Owen after Hernandez and Federico Macheda were named on the bench.
Manchester United controlled most of the game with man-of-the-match Paul Scholes taking the plaudits after another outstanding game.
It took Man United just over half an hour to break the deadlock through Berbatov. Scholes through ball picked out Berbatov in the Newcastle area, he drilled the ball past Steve Harper from an acute angle.
The lead was doubled eight minutes later after Darren Fletcher poked the ball past the Newcastle keeper. Evra made a run into the area, Rooney was unable to control the ball but it fell Fletcher who put it past Harper.
Sir Alex had said that Rooney wouldn’t play the whole game and he did make way for Hernandez 63 minutes in.
With six minutes remaining, substitute Ryan Giggs kept up his record of scoring in every Premier League season when he volleyed in United’s third.
Berbatov should have bagged himself a few goals but there was an improvement to his play. Berbatov’s work rate looked better and the goal gave him a much needed confidence boost. Rooney had another frustrating evening but the goals will come this season.
Man United weren’t at their best but they looked good considering it was only the first game of their season and some of the players haven’t regained full match fitness.
Good Job Steph :)