The Red Devils can possibly count themselves lucky with referee Paul Durkin causing controversy by not giving a penalty to the Magpies, despite Alan Shearer having a good claim for a spot-kick. However, the hosts had a Mikael Silvestre goal disallowed in the second-half.

Sir Alex Ferguson only made the one forced change in the starting line-up with Kleberson replacing the suspended Darren Fletcher. Newcastle were unchanged from their last game.

United had the first real chance of the game when Kleberson's lob met van Nistelrooy, but the Dutchman failed to connect with the World Cup winner's ball.

Mikael Silvestre caused some controversy when he and Alan Shearer met in the air competing for the ball. Silvestre appeared to accidentally catch Shearer with his elbow and the retired England international was mildly bleeding for some time.

Shearer was again in the center some controversy when Tim Howard came out to meet a pass-back unaware of Shearer being there and the American seemed to make contact with Shearer and the Toon went down. Paul Durkin wasn't having it and dismissed the call although it should have been.

Straight after that Keiron Dyer was eager to catch United on the counter but his shot was saved by Howard.

Ryan Giggs could have made it 1-0 to the home side literally at the stroke of half time but his inaccurate header was easily saved by Given, making his 200th appearance for Newcastle.  

      Half-time: Manchester United 0 - Newcastle United 0

Uruguayan international Diego Forlan then had his chance to shine in the second half when he replaced the injured Ryan Giggs.

Newcaslte No.7 Jermaine Jenas came close to becoming The Magpie's hero just before the hour mark when his header came close to rattling the back of the net.

10 minutes later Kleberson's in swinging corner was met by Mikael Silvestre and his half-volley met the back of the net. But no, Paul Durkin disallowed it for alleged pushing and shoving.

United seemed to have an attacking mentality and Newcastle a somewhat defensive mentality. United were missing the target from long shots and Newcastle were taking advantage.

The game ended a weird 0-0 keeping in mind Man Utd v. Newcastle or Newcastle v. Man Utd fixtures have created results such as 5-3, 6-2, 5-0 in the past.

      Full Time: Manchester United 0 - Newcastle United 0

The Teams

Man Utd: Howard, Gary Neville, Ferdinand, Silvestre, O'Shea, Kleberson, Phil Neville, Keane, Giggs, Scholes, van Nistelrooy. Subs: Carroll, Butt, Bellion, Forlan, Fortune.

Newcastle: Given, Hughes, Woodgate, O'Brien, Bernard, Solano, Jenas, Speed, Robert, Dyer, Shearer. Subs: Harper, Griffin, Ambrose, Chopra, Viana.

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