Mexican frontman Javier Hernandez scored in stoppage time to give Manchester United a 4-3 victory over Newcastle United at Old Trafford this afternoon.
Having made a bright start, visiting Newcastle broke the deadlock with just four minutes on the clock. Man United goalkeeper David de Gea was at fault as he spilt a strike from Demba Ba straight to James Perch, who converted the rebound from close range.
Ba threatened United again with 15 minutes played, but his strike from the edge of the box was headed to safety by a retreating Rio Ferdinand.
© PA Photos
Despite being on the back foot for the majority of the opening exchanges, the hosting Red Devils managed to level in the 25th minute. Hernandez saw his low shot from eight yards saved by Tim Krul, but Jonny Evans was on hand to tap in from two yards out.
However, parity only lasted three minutes as Evans was heavily involved in the goal that saw Newcastle restore their lead. The Irish defender diverted Danny Simpson's strike from distance beyond De Gea in the United goal, only for the goal to be ruled out for an offside against Newcastle striker Papiss Cisse. That prompted some consultation between referee Mike Dean and his assistant, with the pair eventually deciding that the goal should actually stand because Cisse was deemed not to be active.
© PA Photos
The away side could have been even further in front at the break, but Sylvain Marveaux's curling free kick with 39 minutes played struck the crossbar before being cleared to safety.
Newcastle continued to exert some pressure after the restart and would have been 3-1 up with 53 minutes gone had Ba's goalward header not been deflected for a corner off Ferdinand.
That scare prompted United to react and they levelled for a second time just before the hour mark. Robin van Persie's corner was cleared by Perch, but only as far as Patrice Evra, who sent a shot skidding into the net from 20 yards out.
© PA Photos
Alan Pardew's Newcastle refused to lie down and they took the lead for a third time in the 68th minute. Substitute Gabriel Obertan got down the left flank, before cutting the ball back to the edge of the area for Cisse, who in turn curled an effort into the top corner of the net with his left foot.
United's response was positive and almost instant as Van Persie scored his 16th goal for the club. Antonio Valencia picked out the Dutchman inside the area, but his first effort was pushed clear by Krul. The ball came back to Van Persie though and he made no mistake with his second strike.
© PA Photos
The home outfit then proceeded to push forward in search of a winner and went close 10 minutes from time when Hernandez guided a cross from Valencia onto the upright.
Newcastle were not done as an attacking force either and struck the woodwork themselves through substitute Sammy Ameobi, who saw his low effort hit the inside of the post before dropping into De Gea's hands.
It looked as though the Magpies had held out for a share of the spoils, only for Hernandez to keep his composure deep into stoppage to give United all three points.
Liam Apicella
