Manchester United are one of the few clubs that did not make any new signings over the summer; Alex Ferguson believing that this squad is already of the highest quality.  Newcastle on the other hand have made several transfers and were hoping to embark on a new and prosperous Kevin Keegan era.

Man. United started the game just as they have left off in the previous season, playing high tempo football and dominating the possession.  Cambell had the first real chance, on his first United start, when he headed the ball straight at Shay Given from close range, only for the ball to hit Given in the head, saving the goal.  Manchester continued to pressure Newcastle and created more and more chances, but Given proved to be a worthy opponent, making great save after great save.

Against the run of play Martins put Newcastle ahead when he headed in a corner kick and Manchester looked shocked to be 1-0 down in their opening game of the season.  No sooner than Newcastle had snatched the lead when United came back up the other end and Fletcher redirected the ball home to equalize.

The second half started off at the same high tempo, but Manchester United were hampered by injuries to Carrick and Giggs and the squad started to have an increasingly makeshift appearance.  Newcastle responded well to the United press and created a few chances of their own; with Gutierrez playing well in both defense and offense.

While Manchester had more of the possession they were not able to do much with the ball in the final third, and the game ended with a 1-1 draw.  Newcastle can be proud of their performance by Manchester may want to reconsider their lack of summer signings.

Overall Match rating: 3.5 out of 5