Wayne Rooney scores twice as Manchester United blow Newcastle away

Wayne Rooney bagged a brace as Manchester United extended their unbeaten run to eight matches after beating Newcastle United 3-1.

The skipper scored two first-half goals before Robin van Persie sealed the game to condemn the Magpies to their fourth straight defeat. Newcastle scored a late penalty through Papiss Cisse but that was not enough to see Alan Pardew’s side slip to 10th place while United stay seven points behind second-placed Manchester City.

United broke the deadlock mid-day through the half when Mata’s ball was slid across goal by Radamel Falcao for Rooney to tap in his seventh goal of the season.

The goal saw the hosts seize control and they doubled their lead with the same players involved again with Falcao’s interception allowing Juan Mata to thread the ball through to Rooney, who finished emphatically past Ben Alnwick. United dominated the second half and made it 3-0 when Rooney’s sublime cross found Van Persie who headed the ball in from close range.

Newcastle continued to press though and went close through Adam Armstrong and Ayoze Perez. And they grabbed a goal four minutes from time when Phil Jones brought down Jack Colback, and Cisse rifled his spot-kick into the top corner. But it was mere consolation as United continue their fine form ahead of the clash with Tottenham on Sunday lunch time, and secure their hold on third place.

4’ – ROONEY CHANCE! Great ball from Mata to Rooney whose header is brilliantly tipped away, the striker is flagged off-side though.

14 ‘ - PENALTY APPEAL! Penalty claim from the visitors when Mata brought down Perez with a clumsy challenge. The ref had a good view of it but doesn't give it.

16’ – VAN PERSIE EFFORT! The Dutchman slips behind the defence, takes the ball around the keeper but steers the ball into the side netting from a tight angle.

19’ – TOP SAVE! There's another interception from Anita who finds Janmaat and the Dutchman's rasping effort is tipped over by De Gea.

22’ - GOAL! (Manchester United 1-0 Newcastle) Rooney tap in from Falcao's pass after a nice ball into the box from Mata on the counter attack.

36 ‘ - GOAL! (Manchester United 2-0 Newcastle) Mata slips the ball through to Rooney who plants the ball into the corner after a late run into the box to make it 2-0

53’ – GOAL!(Manchester United 3-0 Newcastle) Van Persie heads the ball in from close range after Rooney’s cross.

58’ - FINE EFFORT! Armstrong fires a half-volley inches wide from the edge of the box, good strike.

80’ – DE GEA SAVE! Great save by De Gea with his legs to keep out Perez's shot after a mistake by Fletcher.

86’ - GOAL! (Manchester United 3-1 Newcastle) Cisse will take the penalty and on his 100th appearance he slams it into the roof of the net.

Adam Armstrong became the youngest player to make his full debut for Newcastle United at the age of 17.

Manchester United are yet to lose a match when Michael Carrick has started this season.

Wayne Rooney scored his 11th league goal against Newcastle. Only Michael Owen (13) has scored more league goals against them.

Newcastle have never avoided defeat in an away Premier League match after trailing by two or more goals at half time.

Can Manchester United win the title? They are on an impressive run and seem to have found the best combination in midfield and up front. Wayne Rooney’s more withdrawn role worked wonders today and with Angel Di Maria to return, they have enough firepower. But they looked shaky at the back again and needed David De Gea to bail them out with some fine saves. Once Luke Shaw and Marcos Rojo return, Van Gaal may have enough to launch a title assault. However Chelsea and Manchester City still look streets ahead of United in terms of squad depth and performances.

Wayne Rooney (Manchester United): The skipper thrived in his midfield role. He took both his goals well and then produced a sublime pass to set up Van Persie. Rooney also did a good job defensively shielding the back four and was devastating on the counter-attack.

Man Utd: De Gea 7, Jones 6, McNair 5, Evans 5, Valencia 5, Carrick 5, Rooney 9, Mata 8, Young 6, Van Persie 6, Falcao 7. Subs: Rafael 5, Fletcher 4, Wilson 5.

Newcastle: Alnwick 5, Janmaat 6, Coloccini 5, S.Taylor 5, Dummett 4, Colback 4, Anita 4, Sissoko 5, Perez 7, Gouffran 4, Armstrong 6. Subs: Cabella 5, Vuckic 5, Cisse 4.