Manchester United settled this clash at Newcastle United in the first 15 minutes before running away 3-0 winners today.

United were strong at the back, though survived a second-half goal claim from Toon after David De Gea appeared to claw the ball from back behind the goal line.

Jonny Evans opened the scoring for United with a rare strike, nodding home a Robin van Persie corner after just eight minutes.

United doubled their lead on the quarter hour as Patrice Evra, from another corner, shook off Demba Ba to head past Toon goalkeeper Steve Harper.

The visitors completed the rout on 71 minutes as Tom Cleverley produced a wonder effort, beating Harper with a long range swerver of which David Beckham would've been proud.

TRIBAL ASKS: Evans and Rio Ferdinand were at their best today - can the centre-half pairing lead United's title charge?