Manchester United's championship hopes are very much alive after climbing to second in the Premiership table following this evening's convincing 3-1 win over Newcastle United. Goals from Ruud Van Nistelrooy and a Paul Scholes brace set United up for a deserved win, but Newcastle hit back through Alan Shearer and enjoyed the majority of possession in the second half without threatening Fabien Barthez's goal.
The home side were without hamstring victim Ryan Giggs and the rested David Beckham, and, with the knowledge that victory would take them top above Leeds United, Newcastle began the match with typical pace and determination. Indeed, they could have taken the lead inside the opening few minutes but for Phil Neville's goal-line clearance from Gary Speed's firm header.
However, it was Alex Ferguson's side who opened the scoring on 24 minutes when Van Nistelrooy was found unmarked by Mikael Silvestre, and the big Dutchman made no mistake with a close range header to score his 20th goal of the season. United maintained their one gaol advantage until the interval despite Nolberto Solano having a headed goal ruled out for a foul, but they stretched their lead five minutes after the break when Scholes grabbed his first of the night.
Silvestre and Solskjaer combined on the left to put Scholes through, and the England international made no mistake with a composed finish past Shay Given. The same player put the game beyond the visitors when he tapped home from two yards after captain Roy Keane ripped the Newcastle defence apart with a surging run and calculated pass in the 62nd minute.
Shearer gave Bobby Robson's side some hope on 68 minutes when he headed home from Elliott's left-wing cross, but it was too little too late as the Red Devils held on to secure their first win of note against their title rivals and move to within two points of leaders Leeds.
In tonight's other game, Fulham beat struggling Derby County 1-0 at Pride Park thanks to a Horacio Carbonari own goal after 72 minutes.
Filed by Shane Murray
