WELL THAT WASN’T in the plan for Fergie.
Manchester United were expected to bounce back from defeat to basement side Blackburn with a good performance against Newcastle on Tyneside tonight.
Instead Alan Pardew’s side taught the Premier League champions a lesson, running out very impressive 3-0 winners at St James’ Park.
Demba Ba and Yohan Cabaye scored for the home side before defender Phil Jones headed into his own net late on to put the tin hat on a miserable night for the visitors.
Wayne Rooney was back in the United team, after he was dropped for disciplinary reasons, but cut a forlorn figure up front. Rio Ferdinand, meanwhile, came off second best against the in-form Ba.
Cabaye’s goal was a stunning free-kick, which you can watch below.
YouTube credit: izink0r
In the night’s other game, Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard scored from his own box but the Toffees contrived to throw that lead away and ultimately lost 2-1 to Bolton at Goodison Park.