Match Review
Newcastle United 2 v 2 Manchester United, St James Park, 17.15 Monday 1st January 2007.
Goals: Newcastle United, Milner (33), Edgar (74) - Manchester United: Scholes (40), (46).
Attendance: 52,302.

Another day another brace from free scoring United. It wasn't enough this time, however, as long range efforts thwarted United's attempt to pull nine points clear at the top. The double from Paul Scholes and a goal each from James Milner and 19 year-old debutante David Edgar ensured the teams shared the spoils at St. James's Park.

United started much the better side with Saha going close inside the first few minutes. The Frenchman was then deprived of a goal by Given after Ryan Giggs provided the assist, and then the striker was denied a third time when his header was cleared off the line after the Welshman's corner. This would be his last contribution as the Saha was forced to leave the field with a hamstring strain that will keep him out for two weeks.

Ji Sung Park then replaced the injured striker but it was Newcastle who reacted first. Milner gathered Dyer's pass and after manoeuvring away from Gary Neville, let fly with a 67 mph 25-yard effort that left EVDS with no chance.

Wayne Rooney, who cannot score for love, nor money, had another night of frustration as Shay Given denied the young England striker again. Rooney, however, he cannot be faulted for his contribution and his luck will change very soon.

United doing everything right but not scoring weren't going to lie down however and Paul Scholes would come to the Reds' rescue less than 10 minutes later with a brilliant equaliser. The Ginger Ninja showed exquisite footwork just outside the box, culminating in a placed effort past Given. The Geordie youngster Paul Huntington looking like he was watching Ant & Dec on the TV as Scholes had him bamboozled with a clever dummy.

Newcastle almost took the lead shortly afterwards as Sibierski was supplied with a brilliant pass from Nolberto Solano, who played out of position all night. The Peruvian international was probably Newcastle's MOTM as his experience shone through the game.

Fortunately for the Reds although Sibierski was left unmarked he headed his effort straight at EVDS. United then frustratingly hit the post with the last kick of the half. Ji-Sung Park scuffed his effort leaving United fans and players alike with head in hands.

The second half had barely started and United found the back of the net. Ronaldo, providing another assist, patiently waited before passing to Scholes whose low drive thorough the legs of Taylor beat Given,

Newcastle were held at arms length until the 72nd minute when Edgar, after receiving Milner's pass, struck shot that took a 'Frank Lampard' deflection off Paul Scholes, leaving EVDS unsighted, and resulting Newcastle's equaliser. The Barcodes team effort was rewarded, even if it was a bit fortunate.

Searching for a deserved late winner Wayne Rooney missed an opportunity after finding decent space and then Nolberto Solano cleared a Ronaldo header off the line, leaving the Reds feeling sorry for themselves.

Rant Ratings
(4-4-2): van der Sar (7); Neville (7), Ferdinand (7), Vidic (8), Evra (6); Giggs (7), Fletcher (6), Scholes (9), Ronaldo (6); Rooney (7), Saha (7).
Subs: Park (6) for Saha (36 mins), Carrick (7) for Fletcher (77 mins).
Subs not used: , Heaton, Heinze, O'Shea,

United's Man of the Match
Both of Scholes' goals were excellent and came at just the right time. His finishing was sublime, take heed other guilty parties!

Rants Reaction
Two dropped points. United could go elsewhere this season and win easily. But with Aston Villa getting an overdue result against Chelsea, things are not so bad.

Was Rant's Prediction Right?
We said 2-1. United Rant 5 v 26 Wrong Predictions.

Milestones
Paul Scholes' 92nd and 93rd Premiership goals of his United career - his 134th and 135th goal overall for the club.

Miscellaneous Info
United's next match is on Sunday 7th January 2006 at home to Aston Villa in the FA Cup with a 14.00 kick off.