Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Oct 8: Jonny Evans and Patrice Evra scored as Manchester United thrashed Newcastle United 3-0 at the Sports Direct Arena. Tom Cleverly added a third to kill the game off as the Red Devils jumped to second spot ahead of rivals Manchester City.

Despite the presence of Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie, who started together for the first time in the Premier League, United were up by two goals within 16 minutes.

Two thumping headers, first by Evans in the 8th minute and the second by Evra, flew past Stephen Harper as Toons makeshift defence struggled to hold off the Red Devils flying start.

Fans expected Rooney-Van Persie to get on the score sheet but the deadly duo ended up providing assists. The Old Trafford club replied perfectly to their 3-0 loss in the corresponding fixture last season.

However, the game was played with high intensity, eight players were booked by referee Howard Webb and a match between these two rivals is never without drama.

Newcastle striker Papiss Demba Cisse was denied a goal which had clearly crossed the line while Van Persie was lucky to be on the pitch after several challenges, even an elbow on midfielder Yohan Cabaye.

Despite having injury problems, United kept their second clean sheet this season and on attacking front they have many to choose from. Antonio Valencia returned to action after missing out on a couple of games while Rooney continued to pull the strings in midfield.

United manager may have found out the right combination with the return of Rooney but can his defence be consistent throughout the season?

However, the Red Devils are closing in on League leaders Chelsea and are above rivals City by a single goal.

OneIndia News