Rampant Man United steamroll Newcastle

Tom Cleverley scored a stunning goal to cap Manchester United's emphatic 3-0 win over Newcastle at St James' Park on Sunday.

Tom Cleverley scored a stunning goal to cap Manchester United's emphatic 3-0 win over Newcastle at St James' Park on Sunday.

Manchester-United-s-Tom-Cleverley-vies-for-the-ball-with-Newcastle-United-s-Vurnon-Anita-during-their-English-Premier-League-soccer-match-at-the-Sports-Direct-Arena-Newcastle-AP-Photo

Sir Alex Ferguson's attacking 'gamble' paid off as his side moved up to second in the table, climbing above defending champions Manchester City to sit four points behind leaders Chelsea, after early goals from Jonny Evans and Patrice Evra - both opening their account for the season - paved the way to victory.

United were humbled 3-0 on their previous visit to Tyneside in January, but there was little danger of a repeat once they cruised into a deserved two-goal advantage early in the first half.

Spirited fightback
They had to withstand a spirited Newcastle fightback as the hosts eventually recovered from the shock of conceding twice in the first 15 minutes, and they were thankful to goalkeeper David De Gea, who produced a stunning save early in the second-half to deny Papiss Cisse, when a goal at that point would have altered the complexion of the contest.

The third eventually came in memorable style from Cleverley, who struck in the 71st minute with a sublime curler.