United ease to victory on Tyneside

Sir Alex Ferguson was a happy man as he watched Manchester United take full advantage of Newcastle's generosity to claim a 3-0 win and climb into second place in the Barclays Premier League.

United were handed a flying start as the Magpies' makeshift defence crumbled horrifically on two occasions inside the opening 16 minutes to allow first Jonny Evans and then Patrice Evra to head home.

Tom Cleverley's 71st-minute strike from long range ensured the visitors avenged their 3-0 defeat at St James' Park last season in fine style.

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