manchester United

Manchester United began their Premier League campaign in commanding fashion with a resounding 3-0 victory over Newcastle United at Old Trafford.
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United have never lost an opening fixture at home under Sir Alex Ferguson, and within 33 minutes the hosts were ahead courtesy of a clinical finish from Dimitar Berbatov with Paul Scholes the provider.

Darren Fletcher doubled his side's lead eight minutes later with an opportunist close-range finish, and a volley from substitute Ryan Giggs made it three late on after an exquisite pass from the imperious Scholes.

United predictably enjoyed the early pressure, but it was Newcastle who carved out the game's first clear-cut chance in the 11th minute: Andy Carroll rose majestically above Nemanja Vidic from Kevin Nolan's corner, but the forward could only direct it wide of the near post.