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Manchester United 3-0 Newcastle United
Match Reports, 22:06, August 16, 2010 ,
Manchester United eased into the new season with a comfortable 3-0 victory over newly promoted Newcastle United at Old Trafford.
In the build up, all the debate surrounded the form, or lack of, of Wayne Rooney but this Manchester United side showed that they are in rudimentary health, even without their star man hitting top gear.
In fairness, Rooney was involved in all of United's good work and on another night could have had a few guilt edged chances but when your luck is out, it's out. However, his much maligned strike partner Dimitar Berbatov showed just why many around Old Trafford feel this could be his time to shine. The Bulgarian opened his, and United's account, on 33 minutes after Antonio Valencia robbed Jonas Gutierrez before Paul Scholes' slide rule pass opened up the angle for Berbatov.
Until that point the Magpies were giving their fans every indication that they could survive their first season back in the big time, but hopes of taking something from their opening game were extinguished just before the break. The mercurial Nani drew two defenders towards him providing acres of space for Patrice Evra to fire across the box for the waiting Darren Fletcher to prod home.
The second half was one of frustration for the deposed champions as they struggled to break down a resolute Newcastle rearguard and Rooney was withdrawn on the hour for Mexican hot shot Javier Hernandez to make his debut. It took until the 85th minute for Sir Alex Ferguson's side to add to their total when Ryan Giggs was picked out by the excellent Scholes to fire a volley into the bottom corner of the net.
Manchester United already look to be in the groove for the new season and ready to challenge Chelsea for the title and, in fairness, Newcastle showed that they will not be pushed over easily this season.