Van der Sar: Concentration had to be good and it was. Handling safe on rare occasion he had work to do 7
O'Shea: Irishman was effective and lively in attack and never gave Newcastle wingers an inch on either flank 7
Ferdinand: Kept Owen and Viduka quiet and had a few nibbles up front as well before excellent goal 8
Vidic: No frills solid defending from the Serb as you'd expect 7
Evra: Completely on top of either Milner or Duff or anyone else who wandered into his territory 7
Ronaldo: A hat trick and plenty of tricks and probably not even in his top gear 9
Carrick: The most productive player in a past and present midfield battle 8
Anderson: Worked hard but generally he played second fiddle to Carrick 6
Giggs: Not everything came off but he played his part 6
Tevez: A constant pain in the backside for the Geordies and two great goals 8
Rooney: Would have been joint top man with Ronaldo had he converted one of many chances 8
Subs:
Simpson (Evra 67) Deserved goal 6
Nani (Giggs 72) Lively effort 6
Fletcher (Anderson 72) Busy cameo 6
Not used: Park, Kuszczak
Newcastle: Given, Carr, Enrique, Cacapa, Owen (Rozenhal 82), Duff, N'Zogbia, Milner (Viduka 64), Smith, Butt, Taylor
Goals: United: Ronaldo (49, 70, 88) Tevez (54, 90) Ferdinand (85)
Bookings: United: Rooney (45) Newcastle: Duff (82)
Referee: Rob Styles - Hit and miss 5
Attendance: 75,965 |