Vs Newcastle United, Old Trafford - 16 Aug 2010

A winning start - that's all that we can look forward to. The last time we played Newcastle at home in the opening fixture, we had to be content with a draw having trailed to an Obafemi Martins' header. This time it was all the more straightforward - A conservative display for our standards, we should have pounded in half a dozen at least - As the Gaffer always emphasizes how possessing a superior goal difference is like owning an extra point. But 3-0 isn't bad after all and Newcastle isn't a side that is only Championship standards, they are a little more than that.

The Star man was obviously one of the oldest on the park that day - The Evergreen Paul Scholes. He was at absolute ease collecting the ball and distributing passes to all corners of the ground with pin-point accuracy. What he ensured was, put more pressure on the wingers Nani and Valencia to control the ball and deliver crosses. Remarkable performance from Scholesy, I am surprised he wanted to hang up his boots a few years ago. Very fortunate that Sir Alex Ferguson talked him out of retirement.

An excerpt from BBC Live commentary - "Amazingly, the usually unflappable Paul Scholes has looked thoroughly disgusted with some of his team mates on occasions today, either for not passing it straight to him or for not converting his beautifully laid-on chances. This time he's annoyed with Javier Hernandez - he's on a different level to everyone this evening."

And that piece of commentary illustrates how intent we are to regain the league that we surrendered last season.


Rooney looked off-color as he has been in recent times, but I have no doubt he will be back to his best very soon - Bring on Arsenal, Wayne's firepower will be on display. Berbatov was good in patches, but for his qualities he should have scored more, especially off the intelligent nudge that Rooney delivered that left him with only the Keeper to pass through - He didn't though. Valencia and Nani were quieter for their standards, still the latter was primarily responsible for the second goal when he expertly tapped the ball into the box for Evra. Ryan Giggs played for less than 20 minutes but he showcased his class with a thumping volley (left-footed, of course) to continue his impressive record of having scored in every premier league season so far. After that, there was this cheeky little through ball to Berbatov, very much reminiscent to his pass to Michael Owen in the Manchester Derby thriller. Berba though wasn't as clinical as Michael was.


Chicharito was lively but couldn't score as everyone wanted him to, on his Old Trafford debut. But we could already see enough of what is in store from him, as the season goes on. The defense and Van Der Saar didn't have much to do throughout the match except for the odd Andy Carroll attempt from outside the box.

Overall, it's a very good beginning, I am happy with it. I could see the trophy coming back to Old Trafford. I am looking forward to the season with a box full of excitement.


Pictures courtesy - bbcsport, zimbio.