By David Hobbs
April 24 2005

Manchester United kept the pressure on Arsenal in the battle for second spot courtesy of a terrific Wayne Rooney volley and Wes Brown's first Premiership goal in a Red Devils jersey.

Rooney Stunner Guides United to Victory

Manchester United 2 
Rooney 57
Brown 75

Newcastle United 1
Ambrose 27

Manchester United kept the pressure on Arsenal in the battle for second spot courtesy of a terrific Wayne Rooney volley and Wes Brown's first Premiership goal in a Red Devils jersey.

Rooney's thunderbolt hit the back of the net just before the hour mark to cancel out Darren Ambrose's first-half goal from another Tim Howard blunder. The American's weak kick fell to the path of Ambrose, who made no mistake in breaking the deadlock.

With the absence of Gary Neville and Paul Scholes through suspension, Phil Neville and Alan Smith were handed starting berths as Ruud van Nistelrooy was left out of the sixteen man squad. Ryan Giggs also returned to the lineup after recovering from a hamstring injury.

Graeme Souness' side started nervously and allowed Ryan Giggs to penetrate the wing to link up well with Wayne Rooney. The Welshman exposed the Newcastle defence and released Rooney in front of goal, who had a shot parried away by Shay Given.

However, despite the shaky start Newcastle took a surprised lead thanks to Tim Howard. The USA international goalkeeper passed the ball into the feet of Darren Ambrose, who broke the deadlock thirty minutes in.

United were dealt with a further blow as Gabriel Heinze had to be stretched off the field. Cristiano Ronaldo was forced to replace the consistent Argentine.

Referee Neale Barry dismissed a penalty appeal from Alan Smith. Andy O'Brien tangled with Smith in the penalty box, but Barry rebuffed all claims.

After the break, United hit back with venom as Wayne Rooney slammed home a ferocious volley from 30-yards. Kleberson replaced Darren Fletcher as United went out for a winner.

United found the back of the net as frustration grew around Old Trafford. Wes Brown latched onto a corner to give his side the lead and eventually claim maximum points.

Despite attempts of an equaliser, the Magpies slumped to their fifth successive defeat.

Final Score: Manchester United 2 - 1 Newcastle United
Att: 67,845

Manchester United: Howard, Phil Neville, Ferdinand, Brown, Heinze (Ronaldo 37), Fletcher (Kleberson 61), Keane (Silvestre 76), Fortune, Giggs, Rooney, Smith.
Substitutes Not Used: Carroll, O'Shea.

Newcastle United: Given, Carr, Boumsong, Andrew O'Brien, Elliott, Milner, Ambrose, Ramage (Robert 82), N'Zogbia, Shearer (Kluivert 66), Ameobi.
Substitutes Not Used: Harper, Brittain, McClen. 

Refereed By: N Barry