NEWCASTLE United secured a first win over Manchester United for 11 years at St James’ Park last night.
Demba Ba and Yohan Cabaye scored goals in either half before a Phil Jones own goal confirmed back-to-back defeats for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side and cemented Newcastle’s position in seventh place. They are just a point behind Liverpool.
Ba opened the scoring with his 15th goal of the season in the 33rd minute.
It came from a bog-standard long-ball flicked on by Shola Ameobi, making only his second start since September 12. The striker swivelled on the flick, volleying it over Rio Ferdinand and into the net.
Ba heads to Gabon and Equatorial Guinea for the African Cup of Nations, which does not finish until February 15. He will be sorely missed, his goals having all come in his last 14 starts for the club he joined on a free transfer this summer.
Yohan Cabaye doubled the lead two minutes after half-time with a brilliant free-kick into the top right-hand corner of Anders Lindegaard’s net from 25 yards.
The Red Devils did little to threaten Tim Krul in the Newcastle goal, and the home side bagged a third goal, which Jones comically diverted into his own net.
Cabaye was substituted holding his left hamstring with 12 minutes left. Given that his midfield partner Cheick Tiote is also bound for Africa at the weekend, it was the only blackspot on Newcastle’s night.
