United savour big goal from Little Pea

Anything the noisy neighbours, and defending champions, from across the city can do, Manchester United can do just as effectively, as Newcastle discovered to their cost, losing a pulsating game which they had led on no fewer than three occasions.

Two seconds remained of the 90 unpredictable and breathtaking minutes when Michael Carrick’s magnificent cross into the Newcastle six-yard area was met by the Mexican forward Javier Hernandez, who slid in to earn United a victory which opened the gap over City to seven points at the top of the Premier League.

That was the final full stop on an unforgettable occasion which may yet have further ramifications in the FA’s disciplinary dock.