AUTHOR: – Stretford-end

Manchester United failed to score at St James’ park for the first time since the 1999/2000 season to pick up a point in a 0-0 draw. Javier Hernandez and Wayne Rooney had great chances to open the scoring in the first half, whilst heavy Newcastle pressure early on created a number of chances after crosses from wide areas – including a Løvenkrands header just before half time. United stepped up their game in the second half and looked much the better side. Ryan Giggs spurned a glorious opportunity to open the scoring, whilst both sides had controversial penalty appeals turned turn. Here we discuss the talking points of the game and welcome both sets of fans to share their views.

Form is temporary, class is permanent – so says the performance of Paul Scholes and the cameo from Ryan Giggs. Manchester United won 3-0 against their Newcastle namesakes and while they may not have scored the shedload that Champions Chelsea managed in their opening game, the message of intent was impressive in its own right. Dimitar Berbatov opened the scoring with Darren Fletcher grabbing a second just before half time before Giggs’ classy volley in the dying moments secured all three points.