Newcastle United 4 Manchester United 3

Alan Shearer clinched a famous victory in a sensational seven-goal thriller at St. James' Park which saw visiting skipper Roy Keane sent off in injury time for throwing a punch at the Newcastle captain.

Shearer struck eight minutes from the end after the Premiership champions had clawed back a two-goal deficit.

Newcastle, who led twice, were given a flying fifth-minute start by the inspirational Laurent Robert. The French winger struck a magnificent 25-yard free-kick to claim his first goal in front of the home fans.

Ruud van Nistelrooy levelled with a superb finish in the 28th minute, but six minutes later Robert Lee restored the home side's lead with a bizarre goal, when his shot hit the outstretched leg of keeper Fabien Barthez before looping beyond the keeper.

Nikos Dabizas extended Newcastle's advantage seven minutes after the break, but the Red Devils dramatically drew level through Ryan Giggs in the 62nd minute and Juan Sebastian Veron two minutes later, before skipper Shearer's finish was helped into the net by Laurent Blanc.