United 2 Newcastle 1

a good opening created by Shola Ameobi’s headed lay-off, most of the pressure continued to come from Sir Alex’s side. There was a shout to keep the run of penalties going when Rooney tumbled under a challenge from James Tavernier but referee Anthony Taylor was right to wave 'play on'.

Newcastle goalkeeper Rob Elliot produced a superb save to push away an Anderson drive after the Brazilian drove through the heart of the defence by linking with Tom Cleverley. At the other end, the youthful defence backtracked when the impressive Tavernier made in-roads but the full-back dragged his shot wide of David De Gea’s right-hand post, whilst firing a warning of intent.

Rooney's move further back was a bid to gain more control as Sir Alex switched to more of a 4-4-2 with Danny Welbeck joining Hernandez in attack. The tactical ploy almost reaped dividends when Rooney’s exquisite pass released Welbeck but the striker’s powerful shot again extended the alert Elliot.

The deadlock really should have been broken as the clock ticked into the 35th minute. Hernandez skipped past Fabricio Coloccini’s lunging tackle and picked up the loose ball following a touch by Welbeck to instantly put Cleverley in the clear. With the whole of Old Trafford expecting the net to bulge, the England international instead fired wide of the inviting target.