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Newcastle and Man United serve up classic but last-gasp Dummett punishes Van Gaal's men

The hosts fight back twice to earn a draw.

MAN UNITED PRODUCED a much-improved performance but they were ultimately punished for their profligacy as Paul Dummett scored a last-gasp equaliser in a thrilling 3-3 at St James’ Park.

In a controversial and thrilling contest, Wayne Rooney’s penalty and a Jesse Lingard strike had the visitors two goals ahead, but Georginio Wijnaldum got one back prior to half-time.

Newcastle dominated the second period and Aleksandar Mitrovic won a penalty after tussling with Chris Smalling, converting it himself.

Rooney netted with a stunning finish with 11 minutes remaining, but that would not be enough for victory as Dummett’s deflected effort at the death earned Steve McClaren’s side a crucial point.

The result sees Newcastle, who stay in the bottom three, end a three-match run of Premier League defeats without scoring a goal, while Louis van Gaal’s fifth-placed side have now only won one of their last eight.

Rooney’s ninth-minute penalty was the first major moment of the game, with Marouane Fellaini meeting a corner from close range and heading into the hand of Chancel Mbemba, who was only a yard away but did have his arm raised.

Britain Soccer Premier League Rooney scored a brace but it wasn't enough to earn all three points. AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

Referee Mike Dean pointed to the spot despite Newcastle protests and Rooney stepped up to confidently send Rob Elliot the wrong way.

Rooney could have had a second midway through the half when Lingard’s accurate pass sent him through on goal but he shot inches wide with his left foot.

That miss was almost costly when Newcastle went straight up the other end and forced David de Gea into a crucial save. The goalkeeper – on his 200th appearance for the club – blocked with his legs from Wijnaldum after the Dutchman had played a brilliant one-two with Ayoze Perez to set up the chance.

The hosts then wanted a penalty of their own when Daryl Janmaat charged into the box and was stopped by a clumsy Lingard challenge, but Dean was unmoved.

Van Gaal’s men doubled their lead on 38 minutes when a quick counter-attack saw Ander Herrera release Rooney. The England striker took his time before reversing a clever pass into path of Lingard to finish through the legs of Elliot from a tight angle.

That two-goal cushion only lasted four minutes, though, after Fabricio Coloccini’s high pass was headed down by Mitrovic and this time there was no mistake from the onrushing Wijnaldum, who netted with an impressive first-time volley.

Newcastle United v Manchester United - Barclays Premier League - St James' Park Mitrovic brought Newcastle back on level terms. PA Wire / PA Images PA Wire / PA Images / PA Images

De Gea saved from Moussa Sissoko early in the second half, before Lingard missed the target with an excellent opportunity at the other end after good work from Anthony Martial and Herrera, leaving Van Gaal visibly annoyed.

Jack Colback’s claims for a spot-kick having been challenged by Fellaini were ignored but the home side did get a penalty when Mitrovic was wrestled to the ground by Smalling in a physical confrontation, with the Serbia striker taking it himself to comfortably beat De Gea on 67 minutes.

But Rooney responded when substitute Memphis Depay’s shot deflected into his path 20 yards from goal and he unleashed an unstoppable finish into the top-left corner.

Elliot then made a key save from Fellaini’s late header, meaning Dummett’s powerful strike – which deflected off Smalling and into the top-left corner – sealed a precious point after an epic battle.

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