Report: United 4 Newcastle 3

relatively bountiful season.

United’s dander was up and the mood inside Old Trafford was dramatically lifted, yet Newcastle’s ongoing menace was signalled when Ba only narrowly failed to reach Cisse’s knock-down in a packed penalty area. Sure enough, the visitors took the lead for a third time with 22 minutes remaining.

Substitute Gabriel Obertan took advantage of yawning space down United’s right flank, slid a ball across the area and the onrushing Cisse powered home an unstoppable finish. An apparently devastating blow to United, but there would be greater drama to follow.

Incredibly, the Reds drew level just two minutes later. Valencia powered down the right flank and crossed for van Persie, whose powerful effort was beaten away by Krul. Carrick alertly stabbed it back to the Dutchman, however, for a low, drilled finish past the Newcastle stopper.

An enthralling game had taken another twist and, tantalisingly, had over 15 minutes remaining. It seemed inevitable United would take the lead for the first time just moments after levelling as Chicharito rounded Krul, but the Mexican found his options shut down by his angle to goal and a converging posse of defenders.

Both sides continued to push for the win, as Obertan’s teasing cross inched past De Gea’s post, before van Persie brilliantly