Manchester United cruised to a 3-1 win.
Wayne Rooney had an absolute stormer today, scoring twice and setting up his team’s third goal. The United captain broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute, finishing off a well-worked move. Following a blocked Newcastle shot, the hosts broke up the pitch, Juan Mata then floated a pass to Radamel Falcao at the back post, who stretched to square it for Rooney to slot home.
Rooney got his and United’s second 13 minutes later, with Mata and Falcao again involved. The Colombian striker put in a great tackle to dispossess Newcastle in their own half, before Mata weighted a perfect pass for Rooney, arriving late into the box, to finish.
United put the game beyond any doubt when Robin van Persie scored in the 53rd minute. Rooney was involved again, floating a pass to the Dutchman, who cushioned a header into Newcastle’s net. The prolific Papiss Cisse got a consolation goal for the visitors. The striker slotted away a penalty in the 87th minute, and now averages a goal every 70 minutes in the Premier League this season, the most of any player.
Wayne Rooney’s first-half by numbers: 2 goals 2 shots 97% pass accuracy 31 passes completed 1 key pass. pic.twitter.com/bTz0VcESYc — Squawka Football (@Squawka) December 26, 2014
Wayne Rooney has now scored 7 goals at Old Trafford in the Premier League this season, the same as he managed in the whole of last season.
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) December 26, 2014
