Easy street - Brilliant Rooney and Ronaldo humble Newcastle
Manchester United heaped more misery on Kevin Keegan's Newcastle with a victory that barely emphasised the gulf in class between the two sides. The last time a Keegan-managed Newcastle welcomed United to Tyneside, 12 years ago, they inflicted an embarrassing 5-0 drubbing on Sir Alex Ferguson's team. But yesterday it was the home team that bore the shame of a dismal offering in front of a packed St James'.
Although the difference between the Tyneside outfit and third bottom Reading is still six points, there is now a real danger that they could be sucked into a relegation dogfight.
Hot shot: Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates one of his goals
First-half goals by Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo were a scant reflection of the visitors' dominance in a match which United knew they had to win to cut Arsenal's lead at the top of the Premier League to three points.
The dramatic late equaliser by 10-man Birmingham in a 2-2 draw with Arsenal at St Andrew's earlier in the day had presented the champions with an unexpected opportunity.
With Arsene Wenger's team still to visit Old Trafford, Ferguson will fancy his chances of yet another title.
Keegan, still looking for his first win in six matches since returning as manager four weeks ago, saw his team torn apart by a Ronaldo-inspired United.
The Portuguese made the first goal for Rooney after 25 minutes, scored the second just on half-time and then punished what at times was almost comically bad defending to take his season's total to 29 in the 56th minute.
He was denied the opportunity of a second hat-trick of the season only when substituted.
