TIM HOWARD: Had little to do, but will think that he could have done better when being nutmegged for the goal
5/10

GARY NEVILLE: Typically solid defensive display from the England full back, who also aided the attack by scampering forward at every opportunity
6/10

RIO FERDINAND: Calm authority ensured Shearer’s big day was as romantic as a wet weekend in Skegness. United must hope he stops dining at Carpaccio and signs a new contract
7/10

WES BROWN: Booked for tripping Shearer. Always more flustered than his defensive partner, but was strong when Newcastle fleetingly threatened
5/10

GABRIEL HEINZE: The Argentinian has been a teak-tough asset for United this season and was too savvy for Milner. Needlessly booked
6/10

ROY KEANE: Metronome at the heart of the team, Keane made it all tick with his unflustered simplicity. The legs may be weakening but the mind is still razor sharp
7/10

QUINTON FORTUNE: An unsung hero, he is a much-improved player, but will get few outings as easy as this
6/10

CRISTIANO RONALDO: Aided by Babayaro’s ineptitude, his can-can routine dazzled Newcastle. Occasionally let down by the final ball, but still both provider and finisher
7/10

PAUL SCHOLES: A classy performance from a man Newcastle never got to grips with. Goal was due reward for his guile
8/10

WAYNE ROONEY: His pace, power and panache wrought panic in the Newcastle ranks. One 25-yard effort slipped through Given’s grasp but ran wide. His belligerence set up the third
7/10

RUUD VAN NISTELROOY: Confidence-boosting stroll. A brace of careful finishes and a subtle chip that Given kept out well
7/10

SUBSTITUTES:

Ryan Giggs, for Ronaldo, 78
Alan Smith, for Scholes, 78
Darren Fletcher, for Rooney, 78
Substitutes not used: R Carroll, M Silvestre

NEWCASTLE 4-4-2

SHAY GIVEN: Saves from Ruud van Nistelrooy and Paul Scholes. Little chance with goals, but fumbled a Wayne Rooney shot
6/10

STEPHEN CARR: Relatively steady amid chaotic defence, but unable to offer anything of substance in attack 4/10

STEPHEN TAYLOR: Must have have been fearful when Cristiano Ronaldo stumbled on the edge of the penalty area, but escaped unscathed. Moved to left back
4/10

JEAN-ALAIN BOUMSONG: Repeatedly at fault, letting Ruud Van Nistelrooy turn, falling for the first goal and struggling to match Paul Scholes in the air
3/10

CELESTINE BABAYARO: Dreadful. Tormented by Ronaldo, he was replaced at half-time. Had been troubled by a hamstring injury
2/10

JAMES MILNER: Newcastle’s liveliest player, which says little about the team. Committed, the teenager was booked for a foul on Gabriel Heinze
5/10

NICKY BUTT: A couple of early, niggling challenges suggested that he may have been inspired by a fixture against his former club, but it was illusory
3/10

AMDY FAYE: Passed a fitness test in the morning, then failed a football test. Not 100 per cent. Replaced in midfield at half-time
3/10

LAURENT ROBERT: His point that Newcastle have gone backwards since last season looked accurate, but he did nothing to disprove it. Booked for lashing out at Ronaldo.
3/10

ALAN SHEARER: Received a boot in the face from Rio Ferdinand and this result was another kick in the teeth. Set up Shola Ameobi for Newcastle’s goal and one shot on target
5/10

SHOLA AMEOBI: Barely touched the ball in the first half. Came alive to score a fine goal
5/10

SUBSTITUTES:
Charles N’Zogbia, for Faye, 46min 5/10
Andy O’Brien, for Babayaro, 46 3/10
Patrick Kluivert, for Milner, 63 2/10
Substitutes not used: S Harper, D Ambrose.

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