Fergie: score is a 'great confidence boost'

Alex Ferguson acknowledged today’s stunning 6-2 defeat of Newcastle came at just the right time, with next week’s Premiership clash at title rivals Arsenal now foremost in his mind.

Newcastle took an early lead through Jermaine Jenas but Ferguson’s men hit back in stunning fashion, leading 4-1 at the break with goals from Paul Scholes (two), Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ryan Giggs.