Manchester United’s title defense got off to a shaky start as they dropped 2 points at home to a resurgent Newcastle side who they beat 6-0 in the corresponding fixture last season. United were without Ronaldo and Tevez and their attack was suitably numb with Rooney looking unlikely to breach a new look Newcastle defence which had Fabricio Coloccini at its heart despite only signing for the geordies on friday.

The toon took a suprise lead midway through the first half when Obafemi Martins rose unchallenged to head a corner past Paul Scholes on the line. Steven Taylor was injured in a collision as Martins scored and was still receiving treatment off the pitch when United equalised seconds later. Had Taylor been in the box at the other end Fletcher may not have stolen a yard of space to deflect Ryan Giggs cross past the helpless Shay Given.

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