Man. United beats Newcastle 3-0

Newcastle United's Jose Enrique (L) and Newcastle United's Fabricio Coloccini (R) challenge Manchester United's Nani during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford in Manchester, northern England, August 16, 2010.

LONDON, Aug. 16 -- Manchester United opened their Premier League campaign with an comfortable 3-0 win over newly- promoted Newcastle at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Thanks to Dimitar Berbatov's goal, the hosts broke the deadlock after 33 minutes. The Bulgarian striker slotted Paul Scholes' pass into the bottom left of the net.

The visitors were given a few chances later but failed to make any threat before Darren Fletcher blew them further in the 41st minutes.

Frenchman Patrice Evra drove the ball into the box and Fletcher poked it home after Wayne Rooney touched the ball.

Rooney, failing to prove his sharpness, was replaced by new signing MexicanJavier Hernandez. The Red Devils had to wait for their third goal until late substitute Ryan Giggs pulled his trigger. The 36-year-old veteran volleyed home from Scholes' pass five minutes from time.

Newcastle United's Kevin Nolan (R) challenges Manchester United's Antonio Valencia during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford in Manchester, northern England, August 16, 2010.

Newcastle United's Andy Carroll (R) challenges Manchester United's Nemanja Vidic during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford in Manchester, northern England, August 16, 2010.

Manchester United's Dimitar Berbatov (L) shoots to score against Newcastle United during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford in Manchester, northern England, August 16, 2010.
(Reuters)