NEWCASTLE ............................................................1

MATCH STATS

Chris Smalling and, below, Paul Pogpa breach the United defence during yesterday evening’s defeat to the back post found Chris Smalling, who headed home to make it 2-1.

There was even a chance for Newcastle just before half-time when Hayden cut inside before the ball cannoned off Gayle and went wide. Man United had the first chance of the second half but Martial’s shot was well wide after a right-wing cross.

Pogba wasn’t so forgiving on 55 minutes after Lukaku’s cross picked him out at the front post and he tapped home to make it 3-1.

Benitez introduced Rolando Aarons with 25 minutes left as the winger replaced Matt Ritchie.

Murphy then forced a save out of De Gea as Newcastle tried to find a way back into the contest.

But it was well and truly game over with 19 minutes to go.

Lukaku worked a one-two in front of the Stretford End and smashed the ball beyond Elliot to leave him with no chance.

As the game petered outm Man United took their foot off the gas but by then Newcastle’s attacking impetus had also disappeared.

It proved to be a damage-limitation excercise in the end, and as Rolando Aarons’ shot flashed wide in stoppage time, it summed up the task ahead of Benitez in the coming weeks and months.

As the Newcastle manager walked his players over to the Newcastle faithful at the end of the game to show their appreciation, he knew that better than anybody.