MAN UTD 4 NEWCASTLE UTD 1
Elliot, Yedlin, Lejeune, Clark, Manquillo, Murphy, Hayden, Shelvey, Ritchie (Aarons 66), Gayle (Diamé 77), Joselu (Mitrovic 71)
Subs: Pérez, Mbemba, Darlow, Gámez
Let's be honest, did we really expect Newcastle United to go toe-to-toe with Manchester United?
We deal in the Bargain Bin and they go for world class players, and can you tel me one Toon player who would get into that Red Devil's team?
We are a world away from the title, and although some Man City fans would say the same of Man Utd ... they are head and shoulders above us.
But results like this are simply too predictable for the Magpies nowadays.
That is the sad reality of what Newcastle United have been allowed to turn into.
The Magpies may have taken the lead at Old Trafford but that was as good as the day got as quality shone through.
What chance do Newcastle really have in games like this ?
Let’s face it, when the likes of Paul Pogba, Anthony Martial and Romelu Lukaku cost a combined total of £220million you are lucky to escape with anything other than a heavy beating.
Newcastle are miles behind and that won’t change until they start showing they are at least prepared to try in the transfer market.
The world has changed since Newcastle used to go into battle in the transfer market for the likes of Alan Shearer and beat Man United to his signature.
However, so have the ambition levels in the boardroom at Newcastle and that’s why many supporters are desperate for a change.
Nobody expected the Magpies to go to Man United and win at Old Trafford because fans don’t need to be told that the important games this season for Newcastle are going to be against the likes of AFC Bournemouth, Burnley and Swansea City if United are to avoid a relegation battle.
Already it’s all eyes on Watford at home next week but this game was still a bitter pill to swallow for some fans.
The Magpies had started well though - but they could not keep up that intensity.
They managed to win a free-kick after just two minutes thanks to Dwight Gayle, but Jonjo Shelvey’s set-piece was easily cleared by the Red Devils.
Man United’s first real glimpse of goal came on six minutes when Antonio Valencia’s cross found Romelu Lukaku but he scooped the ball over the top.
With 10 minutes gone Newcastle managed to force a couple of corners at the Stretford End with the second set-play headed over by Ciaran Clark after Shelvey’s cross.
But on 14 minutes there was absolute pandemonium in the away end after Newcastle snatched a shock lead.
DeAndre Yedlin did very well down the right before picking out Gayle who applied the finish which bounced off the post and beat David De Gea.
It was Gayle’s first competitive strike since May and the goal only increased the volume in the away end before Newcastle threatened to increase their lead.
First Jacob Murphy struck one straight at De Gea before moments later flashing one just wide of the post with a shot from a tight angle.
Lukaku smacked another effort over from close range but Newcastle managed to get to the half-hour stage with their slender lead in tact.
But the game was tied up with seven first-half minutes remaining.
Murphy quickly responded but his shot skidded wide.
A powerful shot from Shelvey warmed the hands of De Gea as Newcastle showed some resolve after being pegged level.
As the game drifted into first-half stoppage time Ashley Young’s delivery 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 out 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 Benitez walked his players over to the Newcastle faithful at the end of the game to show their appreciation he knew that better than anybody.