In a tricky opening fixture, Manchester United cruised to a well-deserved 3-0 win over newly-promoted Newcastle United to start their 2010/11 Barclays Premier League season off on the right foot.
First-half goals from Dimitar Berbatov and Darren Fletcher and a well-taken Ryan Giggs goal late in the match sealed all three points for United at Old Trafford.
The match started off with both teams having nerves with the start of the new season, but United's first chance fell to Wayne Rooney, but his shot from just on the edge of the area did not test Newcastle's goalkeeper as it curled harmlessly over the crossbar.
Just moments later Newcastle's Andy Carroll missed a real chance to put United under serious pressure when his uncontested header went wide of the target from just eight-yards out - the tall center forward should have done better and have at least tested Edwin van der Sar.
Following those chances for both sides, the game began to open up and United began to create more half chances, but good defending by Newcastle denied any real openings glances at Steven Harper's goal.
A poor touch from Rooney gifted Carroll another decent chance at goal, but his left-footed drive went straight into the arms of a waiting van der Sar.
In stereotypical fashion, Joey Barton earned the first booking of the match after he lunged with his studs showing as Nani glided past him, but from the ensuing free-kick, Rooney pulled his shot well wide of Harper's near post.
Newcastle's second booking was again drawn by the pace of Nani as he was dragged down by James Perch, which set up a free-kick from an ideal situation, but again the wall did their job as they blocked Rooney's effort this time.
United began bossing the possession in commanding style, but to their credit Newcastle defense astutely and diligently to deny the home-side any looks at goal.
Their first of two very good chances came when Nani's far post cross was tipped by a back-peddling just over Berbatov's head and out for a United corner. Following the half-clear corner, Antonio Valencia cross was met by Berbatov
Finally the possession paid off for United,Berbatov scored the first goal of the match when a pinpoint through by Scholes put the Bulgarian in behind the Newcastle defense and firmly slotted the ball into the far corner of the net.
Nani was easily dispossessed in the United half, but thankfully Barton decided to be selfish and tried to foolishly beat van der Sar at his near post, which the big goalkeeper had it easily covered.
Just before half-time and following another good spell of possession, United made it two goals to the good when a Patrice Evra's cross was coolly controlled by Darren Fletcher, and with a simple turn he placed the ball into the Newcastle net.
The second-half started the same way as the first with United controlling the possession, but not creating a clear cut chance to add to their lead.
In unselfish style Rooney beat the offside trap and instead of going for goal, he opted to try to play in Berbatov but the Newcastle defense did well to cut out the opportunity, however, moments later the Bulgarian inexcusably missed a one-on-one chance just wide of the post.
Javier 'Chicharito' Hernadez made his Premier League debut as he replaced an average Rooney in the 63rd minute, and his introduced saw United step up the speed of their passing.
Nani had a golden chance to extend the United lead, but the Portuguese winger, who popped up in the middle, dragged his left-footed effort a yard wide of the far post.
Newcastle were pinned inside their own penalty area, as the full-backs accompanied the attack, but either poor finishing and failing to get on the end of crosses denied them the crucial third goal.
Because they were in complete control of the possession it meant that they were susceptible to the counter attack, but like United, Newcastle's crossing was just a bit off and the finishing was wayward.
A good cross by Evra, which was followed some good work in the box, Berbatov was again left frustrated as he missed yet another good goal scoring opportunity - this time by the feet of Harper.
In somewhat worrisome circumstances, Rafael came on for Evra after the left-back awkwardly landed following a stiff, but fair challenge.
United finally got what seemed to be elusive third goal when Giggs smashed home a left-footed volley into the bottom corner of the net following a wonderful pass from none other than Scholes.
Newcastle last crack of the whip fell to the feet of Xisco, but like the chances before his, it did little trouble the reliable van der Sar.
If Manchester United continues to play like this, then they will surely make an honest attempt to nudge Liverpool to secure the elusive 19th English top flight title.
Matchball
As he did in the FA Community Shield, Scholes put in yet another fine, but typical performance - creating and assisting on two of the goals, getting book for a wild challenge and vision to pick out players at will with a wide array of passes.
Ratings
E. van der Sar - 7, J. O'Shea - 6, N. Vidic - 6, J. Evans - 6, P. Evra - 7 (Rafael - x); A. Valencia - 6, D. Fletcher, P. Scholes - 7, Nani - 7 (R. Giggs - 6); D. Berbatov - 7, W. Rooney - 6 (J. Hernandez - 6)
Goals
D. Berbatov (33'), D. Fletcher (41'), R. Giggs (81')
Statistics
Possession: 66%
Corners: 5
Shots (On Target): 18 (4)
Fouls Conceded: 9
Fouls Suffered: 7
Bookings: P. Scholes, D. Fletcher
Contributed by David Hammons / The United Religion
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