Manchester United 1 - 1 Newcastle United

United Miss Portuguese Wonder Boy

Something seemed to be missing from Manchester United's opening game, and guess what he was sitting in the stands. By anybody's reckoning United are an outstanding team but they are even more so when Cristiano Ronaldo is available to help. Unfortunately the Portuguese genius is injured, and unable to figure in the line up at this time, and you would have to say it showed!

Surprisingly Newcastle took the lead after 22 minutes when Martins nodded home a good header. It was surprising not because the visitors didn't deserve it, but because their record at Old Trafford hasn't been that good. On the other hand neither has anybody else's, but the time to catch United out is at the beginning of the season, as they are somewhat slow starters. The lead was short lived because two minutes later Darren Fletcher equalized from an accurate Ryan Giggs cross.

If this was a slow start for United it was a great confidence builder for Kevin Keegan's men, and it has to be said that they looked pretty smart. Keegan, himself, was obviously delighted to share the points at Old Trafford. Much of the credit must go to Newcastle's often brilliant goalkeeper, Shay Given. He was in tip top form including a dynamic double save, first from Rooney, and then from Paul Scholes following up at close range. Magic stuff, and a pleasure to watch.

After the break Martins continued to be a threat and Van der Sar had to be on his toes to keep him out. At the end you would have to say that a draw was a fair outcome. It was probably less than satisfactory for Sir Alex Ferguson, but great for the Newcastle manager, who has started the season well with something to build on.

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soccer and football Manchester United 1 - 1 Newcastle
soccer and football
soccer and football Manchester United 1 - 1 Newcastle