Newcastle United – Manchester United

1. Join us at 2000 GMT to see if Manchester United can close the gap on rivals City with a win at Newcastle.

2. <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/1231/philjonesmanchesterunited_275x155.jpg">United are struggling for defenders, but Phil Jones will be there.

3. And Jones has called on United's <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1004259/jones-calls-on-manchester-united-%27fighters%27?cc=5739" target="_blank">'fighters', to turn it around after defeat to Blackburn.</a>

4. Man Utd team: Lindegaard, Valencia, Jones, Ferdinand, Evra, Nani, Carrick, Giggs, Park, Rooney, Berbatov

5. Newcastle: Krul, Simpson, Coloccini, Williamson, Santon, R.Taylor, Cabaye, Tiote, Jonas, Shola Ameobi, Ba.

6. So, some interesting teams from both sides. De Gea dropped, Rooney back. 4-4-2 it looks like with Roo playing off Berbatov.

7. Meanwhile Newcastle match up 4-4-2 as well. Ameobi and Ba up front is formidable against a potentially shaky United defence.

8. Rooney is, of course, in the spotlight. He's scored six goals in his last six appearances against Newcastle on Tyneside.

9. In the last game in November, Man Utd mustered 29 shots to Newcastle?s 8. It finished as a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.

10. You can follow me on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/joncarterESPN" target="_blank">@joncarterespn</a>

11. <i>Catch action from every Barclays Premier League match on your mobile for <b>FREE</b> on the enhanced <a href="/news/story/_/id/941526/enhanced-espn-premier-league-goals-app---now-free">ESPN Goals</a> app (UK only). </i>

12. <i>Can a football side lay claim to be the greatest international team, across any sport? If you think so, why not enter at our sister site, ESPN.co.uk, <a href="http://on.fb.me/sHrZOW" target="_blank">and you could win some shiny Samsung phones or tablets.</a></i>

13. Interestingly, after losing just one of 15 at St James' Park in 2011, Newcastle have lost two of three (one draw) since changing the name to Sports Direct Arena. Bad omen?

14. Another bad one for Magpies' fans is that United are the only team to have scored in every Premier League match so far this season.

15. The Magpies will miss Tiote and Ba as they head off to the African Nations Cup at the end of the month. After such a good start, the club face a tough period to get through. Pardew must surely dip into the transfer market.

16. United will be looking to bounce back after their shock 3-2 defeat to Blackburn. We're almost underway.

17. Teams are out on the pitch and we're ready for kick-off.

18. 1'

    <B>KICK-OFF</B>. Newcastle get us underway... it's very windy on pitchside.

19. 1'

    A huge long ball is wasted straight away. Oh dear. Might as well have let United kick off.

20. 2'

    Giggs disguising a shot but Coloccini is there to stop it before it reaches Rooney.

21. 2'

    Berbatov made to run and holds it up in the corner - surely not already? - loses out to Gutierrez.

22. 2'

    Park gets it and runs at the defence. Williamson with a last ditch tackle to stop the Korean bursting through.

23. 3'

    Simpson with a long ball in, but Lindegaard is there to collect easily.

24. 4'

    Santon showing good pace and gets away down the left. Carrick drops back and makes sure he doesn't break through.

25. 4'

    Simpson crosses and it's Ba in the box who misses his shot. If he'd connected that would have been a great chance.

26. 4'

    Wouldn't expect Ba, in the form he's been in, to miss something like that.

27. 5'

    Tiote goes in hard on Rooney. Nothing too serious, but just shows the striker who is boss.

28. 6'

    Santon bursts away again, The ball comes in to Ba, who drops it back to Cabaye and his shot is saved down low by Lindegaard.

29. 6'

    Good save, although he saw it all the way there.

30. 7'

    Newcastle have had the two best chances so far and Ameobi is almost slipped in before Jones comes across to clear.

31. 8'

    Taylor long throw is headed out and Tiote smashes it back with interest. It was right at Lindegaard though, but that was travelling.

32. 9'

    Newcastle completely on top. Man Utd are struggling to get hold of the ball.

33. 10'

    Ameobi had a good chance to slip in Taylor, but just couldn't get enough on the ball to turn it around the corner.

34. 10'

    Rooney and Berbatov really struggling up front at the other end. They've hardly had a kick.

35. 11'

    First chance for United. Evra gets away and cuts it back to Nani. The shot is blocked by Krul and, although he pushes it right out, he's able to get it back before Rooney pounced.

36. 12'

    Best chance so far for United. Nani had a lot of time on the edge of the box and it was a tame shot by his standards.

37. 13'

    Giggs now gets a cross in and it's defended well by Coloccini in front his own line.

38. 14'

    Tiote breaking up the play well in the middle, but just fails to get Gutierrez away down the left. Manager Alan Pardew already making notes.

39. 15'

    Oh, off the post! Good build up play and Berbatov heads Evra's cross off Santon. Krul looks beaten but it nicks off the edge of the post.

40. 15'

    Lucky, but the closest that United have come to a goal so far.

41. 16'

    Valencia gets Nani away very cleverly. Nani is free and can't pick out anyone. Coloccini easily deals with it and that was a total waste.

42. 17'

    Rooney getting more into the game, but Newcastle are defending in numbers in the middle and trying to stop him before he gets going.

43. 18'

    Excellent flick from Ameobi. The ball drops and Cabaye picks it up to have shot. It cannons off Jones and goes out for a corner.

44. 19'

    Valencia away down the right. He's been a good outlet so far for United.

45. 19'

    Handball from Cabaye and it's a free-kick a long way out. If Gardner can do it for Sunderland...

46. 19'

    Rooney hammers it, but it deflects off the wall and behind for a corner.

47. 21'

    Newcastle will be happy with the way the game has gone so far. They've had a few chances and have generally kept the opposition at bay.

48. 22'

    Great advantage from Howard Webb and Giggs passes right through the middle to Rooney. He was onside, but stumbled and just lost control at the vital moment.

49. 22'

    Very good chance and Rooney's control let him down. He will be very disappointed with that.

50. 23'

    Giggs the creative hub again. And he's 48 you know...

51. 23'

    Man Utd starting to flow now and they have taken a stranglehold of possession.

52. 24'

    Newcastle break, but it's been them under the cosh in recent minutes. A few long balls and possession is back with United again.

53. 25'

    Penalty shout! Ameobi takes it down and threads the ball to Ba. He is tripped from behind by Ferdinand and goes down. Webb waves it away.

54. 25'

    That could have easily been given. Very clumsy from Ferdinand as Ba was going nowhere with his back to goal.

55. 27'

    Ba has a one-on-one with Jones, but the defender stands his ground and gets a foot on the ball. It spins out and the cross is headed over by Ameobi.

56. 28'

    Rooney is yelling at Web for giving a free-kick. He should really be thanking him.

57. 29'

    Ba comes back and sneaks away with the ball. He's good at both ends it seems.

58. 29'

    The crowd are really getting behind their sides now. Noise is immense and the game is being played at a great pace.

59. 30'

    Nani has space, but his final ball has been poor so far. It is again.

60. 31'

    Jones charges out of defence, but he is stopped well by Tiote. The defender loves to do that, but he does leave a rather large gap when he does.

61. 32'

    Pardew is out stalking his line. The crowd chant 'you don't know what you're doing' at Webb. They are feeling victimised.

62. 33'

    <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Ba with a great goal! The ball was flicked on and Ba hooks it past Lindegaard.

63. 33'

    A cracking finish and Lindegaard is beaten for the first time in the Premier League. The long ball was perfect, the flick on excellent and the finish sublime.

64. 34'

    A perfect team selection for that goal. That was exactly what Pardew wanted from Ameobi and Ba.

65. 34'

    Now, how will United react? They have not had too many chances, but will need to get back level before half-time.

66. 35'

    Ba, of course, will be keen to continue his fine goalscoring form again. Now Rio has seen what can happen if you give him any space.

67. 36'

    Poor pass from Taylor and United break. Giggs, Rooney and Nani link up but the Toon players get back and close them down.

68. 37'

    Rooney is robbed and Santon bursts forward again. Webb wants a word with Valencia as he brings him down.

69. 39'

    Valencia cuts inside and Berbatov tries to knock it round the corner for Giggs. Just out of reach.

70. 40'

    Santon loses it and Nani gets away, he could slot Rooney in but holds up the ball and the tackle comes in. Coloccini eventually gets it clear.

71. 41'

    Nani bursts into the area with a good turn of pace, but Cabaye comes across and clears the ball. That could have been dangerous.

72. 42'

    Lovely ball up to Ba. He gets his shot away, but Giggs' tackle comes in. It was a foul and United cannot believe it.

73. 42'

    Five United players are still around the ref. Ryan Taylor looks like he might fancy a shot at goal here...

74. 43'

    Long delay, but finally Taylor hits it and it flies over the bar.

75. 44'

    It was pretty central as well. More can be expected of someone who can hit a free-kick like he can.

76. 44'

    Newcastle can be very pleased with their half's work. They have bossed part of the game and held firm when United took control. Ba's goal was sublime too.

77. 45'

    Two added minutes...

78. 45'

    Ba has the ball at his feet and tries to thread Ameobi through. He just didn't read the pass and it went through to Lindegaard.

79. 45'

    Valencia ploughs in on Gutierrez and gets the ball away from danger.

80. 45'

    Ba has a shot from a long way out, but it dips and falls safely into the hands of Lindegaard.

81. 45'

    <B>HALF-TIME: Newcastle 1-0 Man Utd</B>. Ba's goal has been the difference and Man Utd will be frustrated with this half. Not enough has happened for them up front and Alan Pardew will be a very happy man.

82. <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2012/0104/dembaba,sholaameobicelebvmufc20120104_275x155.jpg">Ameobi celebrates with Demba Ba.

83. <i>Catch action from every Barclays Premier League match on your mobile for <b>FREE</b> on the enhanced <a href="/news/story/_/id/941526/enhanced-espn-premier-league-goals-app---now-free">ESPN Goals</a> app (UK only). </i>

84. <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2012/0104/dembabascoresvmufc20120104_275x155.jpg"><br>Ba hooks the ball home.

85. Don't forget that's it's transfer time and <a href="http://blogs.soccernet.com/onthemove/" target="_blank">there are plenty of deals going through now in On the Move</a>. United may need someone soon?

86. <i>ESPNsoccernet reader Stefan says: "mufc has been out muscled, out run, out passed, out shot and out scored in the first half!"</i>

87. Only twice in the last seven seasons have Man Utd lost two consecutive Premier League games. They are on course to do it again unless Fergie's hairdryer treatment changes things.

88. <i>Can a football side lay claim to be the greatest international team, across any sport? If you think so, why not enter at our sister site, ESPN.co.uk, <a href="http://on.fb.me/sHrZOW" target="_blank">and you could win some shiny Samsung phones or tablets.</a></i>

89. 46'

    <B>KICK-OFF</B> Manchester United start us off again and they really need to step it up.

90. 46'

    Ferdinand immediately robs Ba with a big foot in there.

91. 46'

    <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Jones can't stop him though and checks him off the ball. Foul and in the book.

92. 47'

    A great run from Ameobi opened up the space there and Ba went right at it. A chance for Cabaye or Taylor now...

93. 47'

    <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Cabaye!!! What a free-kick!!

94. 47'

    That was about 25 yards out, and cannons in off the bar. Very central, but he bent it into the top corner. What a goal!

95. 47'

    Lindegaard got a fingertip to it, but not enough to keep it out. The ball bounced over the line, and didn't go into the net, but no-one questioned. That was incredible.

96. 49'

    A great start for the Magpies. That really will give them a shot in the arm, but they cannot relax.

97. 49'

    Ba is running riot up front and Ameobi gets free. the ball is swung in and Lindegaard claims it in front of the attacker.

98. 50'

    Nani thinks he can change things and smashes the ball at Krul from 35 yards. It was bobbling, but fairly easy to claim.

99. 51'

    Cabaye is taking a well earned drink as Taylor is down injured. Pardew issuing instructions to his side.

100. 52'

     A delay, but he looks ok. No subs as yet.

101. 52'

     Newcastle haven't won against Man Utd in 18 games by the way, so this would count as a shock.

102. 52'

     Rooney and Giggs dropping deep and Valencia's cross flies over everyone's heads.

103. 53'

     Ameobi causing problems in the air again. He's doing very well with the flick ons that United just can't seem to deal with.

104. 54'

     Taylor's corner finds the head of Williamson but the chance disappears as it was just too high. Valencia needed to get a touch to stop the defender getting in at the far post.

105. 55'

     Great corner and Lindegaard gets under it. Williamson is there again and he heads over. Probably should have done better against Berbatov.

106. 56'

     Newcastle are pressing high and Evra almost loses the ball to Ba with a careless pass. United are struggling for invention at the moment.

107. 56'

     Fergie is readying his subs. Changes are afoot.

108. 57'

     <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Berbatov off, Welbeck on.

109. 57'

     Krul has to come and claim as Nani looked like he might get on the end of a through ball there.

110. 58'

     Cabaye puts in a tough tackle on Evra and is lucky not to go in the book.

111. 59'

     Valencia works an opening and crosses well. Rooney hesitates and can't get on the end of it. Then it comes back to him and Simpson clears off the line. What an escape!

112. 59'

     Park also had a chance as Welbeck's flick set up the first and his cross almost found the Korean. Simpson once again has come to the rescue. He saved a certain goal.

113. 60'

     United will pour forward now. That was very close and there's still a lot of the game left.

114. 60'

     Carrick finds Giggs, who slips Park in. His square ball finds Coloccini who hammers it away. That could have easily fallen to a red shirt.

115. 61'

     Giggs crosses and finds noone. That was a killer cross. United are on fire at the moment.

116. 61'

     <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Valencia goes in the book for knocking over Gutierrez. Persistent fouling I think.

117. 62'

     The best spell from Man Utd by some way... Welbeck has made a difference already.

118. 62'

     <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2012/0104/anderslindergaardforyohancabayegoal20120104_275x155.jpg"><br>Lindegaard is beaten by Cabaye's effort.

119. 63'

     Evra chips it over and Rooney can almost get there. Krul does well to run out and claim just before the striker arrived.

120. 64'

     All United at the moment. Newcastle can't get a foot on the ball.

121. 64'

     Park's cross is headed out by Williamson and Newcastle are holding firm under immense pressure at the moment.

122. 65'

     Tiote is down injured, which is a worry for Newcastle. Looks like a thigh strain.

123. 65'

     <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Park off, Hernandez on. Fergie is going for it now. Rooney back into midfield.

124. 66'

     Tiote is evidently ok, as he threads the ball to Amoebi after making a tough tackle on Rooney.

125. 67'

     Taylor chips in a corner and Lindegaard claims with ease.

126. 68'

     Hernandez gets a touch, but runs it out of play and is looking frustrated with his team-mates already.

127. 68'

     Krul launches the ball into the box, but United defend well and Welbeck looks to break.

128. 68'

     Ferdinand almost misjudges there as Ba closed over the top. He should have headed clear, but almost sent the striker through. Just managed to get it clear.

129. 70'

     Ameobi is causing Jones all sorts of problems. He is so strong and powerful that he's winning everything in the air.

130. 70'

     Catch all of tonight's goals - including goalkeeper Tim Howard's for Everton - right now on the ESPN Goals App. (UK only). <a href="http://ctx.ly/r/21v1v" target="_blank">Click here</a>

131. 71'

     Jones can't believe that the decision has gone against him. It's only a throw though and he's going mad. Must be careful as he's on a booking.

132. 72'

     The longer the game goes on, the calmer Toon fans will get. Amoebi is still a target man and Taylor crosses for Ba, who heads just wide.

133. 72'

     Newcastle are back in numbers and leaving Ba up front to chase and hurry Rio and Jones.

134. 74'

     Good possession from the home side though. They are trying to keep the ball away from the reds as much as possible.

135. 74'

     Hernandez is through, but is called offside. Not much in it.

136. 74'

     <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Rooney off, Anderson on.

137. 75'

     So that's it for Wayne. Newcastle about to change things as well.

138. 75'

     <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Ameobi off, Best on. A fresh striker on for the Toon.

139. 76'

     Good pressure from Newcastle again and Ba is excellent at holding the ball up. He's almost tricked Evra, but the ball drops to Tiote. Cries of 'shooooooot' but he tries a pass and fails.

140. 77'

     Hernandez offside again and he's offered little since his arrival. Not too many openings for the Mexican so far.

141. 77'

     <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Cabaye off, Perch on. A little defensive move from Pardew there.

142. 78'

     Krul comes and punches away from over Hernandez. Coloccini gets ahead of Welbeck to stab the ball away.

143. 80'

     Santon with a great defensive header as Giggs floats the ball in. Ba again holds it up and keeps the ball. Great work.

144. 80'

     Best was pushed, but there was no foul and Hernandez is caught offside with the chipped ball over again.

145. 81'

     <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Tiote hauls back Carrick after he was dispossessed.

146. 82'

     Best charges in on Lindegaard. He very nearly closed him down but the keeper hacks clear just in time.

147. 83'

     United are pushing for a goal now and even Rio is up there looking for scraps.

148. 84'

     Giggs with an arrowed diagonal ball, but Coloccini comes across and heads away. He has been very impressive all night.

149. 85'

     Newcastle dropping deeper and just looking to hold onto their lead.

150. 86'

     Santon bursts away again and he's been bright. However, his final ball lets his down and United break.

151. 86'

     Great ball over the top and Welbeck has got the other side of Coloccini. His touch is heavy and Krul comes to claim, but that was a close shave.

152. 87'

     Anderson gives it away and Best can run at the defence. Carrick brings him down.

153. 88'

     Giggs finds space and gets it across to Nani. His cross (as it has been all night) is poor and Krul catches easily.

154. 89'

     Valencia runs, but Tiote is there and he gets it away. A very impressive performance at both ends from him tonight.

155. 89'

     <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Ba, who has been given the man of the match award, is replaced by Obertan.

156. 90'

     <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> What an error. A long ball and Jones heads into his own net.

157. 90'

     Lindegaard thought he would leave it, Jones went for it, and the ball spun into the net. 3-0!

158. 90'

     That just about sums it up for United tonight. A horrible goal and the Red Devils will stay behind rivals City.

159. 92'

     Newcastle fans are raising the roof (if there was one). United look completely beaten and heads have dropped.

160. 92'

     Two more minutes left for a famous win for Newcastle...

161. 93'

     Giggs loses out and Obertan has a little run with Santon.

162. 93'

     Coloccini gets in ahead of Nani and he's been a rock at the back. On a wet and windy night, the Magpies have shone the brightest tonight.

163. 95'

     <b>FULL-TIME. Newcastle 3-0 Man Utd.</b> What a cracking game and Newcastle have deserved this win. Ba was immense and United could not cope with the Toon's aerial threat all night.

164. A great result for Newcastle. It hasn't been a good festive period for them, but they have started off 2012 pretty well. United hardly looked like they were in and it's the first defeat by Newcastle in 10 years.

165. One rainy night in Tyneside could have made a big impact on this season's title race. How will Newcastle will cope without Ba?

166. Join us again next time. Bolton have beaten Everton to keep the relegation fight alive. And catch all the action from tonight's Barclays Premier League matches on your mobile for <b>FREE</b> on the enhanced <a href="/news/story/_/id/941526/enhanced-espn-premier-league-goals-app---now-free">ESPN Goals</a> app (UK only).

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