Premiership: Scholes doubles United's lead

Manchester Utd 2, Newcastle 0 (latest)

Paul Scholes has scored Manchester United's 50th goal of the season at Old Trafford against Newcastle.

The diminutive forward scored in the 50th minute to double the home side's lead.

Ruud van Nistelrooy continued his hot scoring streak to open the scoring.

Van Nistelrooy headed home Mikael Silvestre’s left-wing cross on 24 minutes to score for the sixth match in succession and register his 12th goal in his last 11 games for United.Solskjaer became the first player to be booked when he clattered Dabizas midway through the half.

After trading jabs, United landed the first telling blow when they opened the scoring in the 24th minute with a goal that will give Robson nightmares.

Solskjaer found Mikael Silvestre in the clear on the left and he centred for the unmarked van Nistelrooy to head home his 20th goal in his 24th competitive game for United from close range.

It was the sixth successive match in which van Nistelrooy had scored for United.

The goal gave United a confidence booster, while Newcastle lost their way somewhat.

Their passes began to go astray and they started to make mistakes at the back.

Newcastle did regather their senses and they began to play their way back into the game.

Their confidence began to return and Shearer nodded down a left-wing cross from Robbie Elliott for Speed to unleash a shot which was well saved by Barthez.

Newcastle thought they had equalised four minutes before the interval when Solano headed home Elliott’s cross, but referee Peter Jones ruled that the Peruvian had fouled his marker Silvestre.

Lee then went close with a right-foot drive from just over 20 yards out.