A reasonably entertaining game where Manchester Utd dominated, although failed to overun a predictable Newcastle. Goals came from Jonsonn and Cole, Goma was harshly booked for Newcastle.

For Man Utd fans it was business as usual, Giggs was very lively, Barthez had a steady debut, Cole looked as sharp as ever and Stam was outstanding against a quiet Shearer.

For Newcastle fans - the Toon did little wrong, although movement upfront was none existent. Shearer was very quiet, Cort did not receive enough service to shine but Cordone, the attacking midfield option looked sharp on occaision but needs to adjust to the pace of the Premiership. Dyer and Solano, half time substitutes changes Newcastle's stoic defensive stance and created several attacking options in the second half. Newcastle's back four again was the main concern. Marcelino did not suggest that he was Premiership Quality, Goma was streched by the pace and invention of Cole and Giggs, Dabizas was overrun and blundered on more than one occaision. Hughes and Barton put in steady performances though. Newcastle's shining light was Shay Given who was outstanding in goal, pulling off several fantastic saves. This has been a good test for Newcastle who will be pleased to have the hardest fixture of the season out of the way. Roll on Derby County on Wednesday.

Good - Daniel Cordone
- Shay Given
- Rob Lee

Mediocre - Shearer
- Cort
- Hughes

EVERYONE ELSE - CRAP!

We have GOT to warm up and play more fluidly. I saw some cock-ups from Dabizas, Dyer, and Nobby on more than one occasion.

We weren't as bad as the announcer made us out to be.....but we DID play poorly.

Man. Utd are a good team though, and there is no shame in a 2-0 loss at Old Trafford.

Dabizas looked out of shape with the Greek NT also. I know him though,he is dedicated and a hard worker. He will get his act together.

[This message has been edited by Chris16 (edited 08-20-2000).]

Dabizas needs a strong commanding centre back to play along side. This must be Newcastle's priority now that Howey has been sold to Manchester City. Goma is not commanding enough, Marcelino is not Premiership quality, Aaron Hughes has played centre half on occaision but is not a leader and David Beherall who played there under Guillet seems to have disappeared. The chequebook needs to make an appearance although I am not sure who would be available.

The team I would play against Derby on Wednesday night:

GK Given
RB Barton
CH Dabizas
CH Hughes
LB Domi or Griffin
RM Solano
CMR Lee
ATM Dyer or Cordone
LM Speed
CF Shearer
CF Cort
Playing 4-4-2
Prediction: A capacity crowd against Derby ensures a 3-0 win to the MAGS.

I think that the Toon should learn from this man u game and take it on the chin. The defense was static, at best. Where were the markers when Johnsen got into the box? How the hell did Cole get through the defense that easily? Marcelino is premiership quality, he just cant adjust to the pace of the English game. We do need a commanding center-half. We should also play a sweeper system and forget the offside trap - i know from experience that using that tactic against better opposition is suicidal. However, there isn't any shame in losing 2-0 at Old Trash-heap, especially since we lost 5-1 there about 11 months ago, when man u weren't really at there best. BRING ON DERBY!

I think that the Toon should learn from this man u game and take it on the chin. The defense was static, at best. Where were the markers when Johnsen got into the box? How the hell did Cole get through the defense that easily? Marcelino is premiership quality, he just cant adjust to the pace of the English game. We do need a commanding center-half. We should also play a sweeper system and forget the offside trap - i know from experience that using that tactic against better opposition is suicidal. However, there isn't any shame in losing 2-0 at Old Trash-heap, especially since we lost 5-1 there about 11 months ago, when man u weren't really at there best. BRING ON DERBY!