Ronaldo return & Scholes hat-trick: The four most iconic Man United vs Newcastle battles

Manchester United are set to face Newcastle United at the iconic St James’ Park in the Premier League tomorrow evening.

Few fixtures in the English top flight carry the same blend of history as this one, with both clubs boasting passionate fanbases.

The sides last crossed paths earlier this season at Old Trafford, where United edged a tightly contested affair 1-0 to claim all three points.

Ahead of their latest showdown, we revisit four of their most unforgettable Premier League battles.

Newcastle 0-1 Man United, March 1996

Two English heavyweights went toe-to-toe in a seismic title showdown that defined the 1995/96 season.

It remains one of the most iconic matches in Premier League history, not just for the result but for what it represented.

The contest was as much about the coveted trophy as it was about the simmering rivalry between Kevin Keegan and Sir Alex Ferguson.

Keegan’s men had surged 12 points clear at Christmas and looked destined for glory before wobbling when it mattered most.

Eric Cantona delivered a moment of cold-blooded brilliance, volleying home the only goal of the game.

Despite Newcastle dominating large spells, United’s resilience proved decisive.

The Red Devils narrowed the gap with leaders Newcastle to just one point and ultimately went on to win the league title.

Man United 4-1 Newcastle, September 2021

Few modern United moments match the emotion of this one, as Cristiano Ronaldo marked his sensational return to Old Trafford.

After months of speculation, and even links with Manchester City, Ronaldo’s dramatic homecoming captured the imagination of fans worldwide.

Sir Alex Ferguson, watching proudly from the stands, had played a key role in convincing his former protege to return.

Old Trafford crackled with anticipation as a new generation of supporters witnessed their idol in the famous red shirt once again.

Ronaldo opened the scoring and unleashed his trademark “Siu” celebration, sending the stadium into raptures.

Newcastle briefly threatened a twist by equalising, but Ronaldo restored United’s lead with a clinical second in front of the Stretford End.

Further goals from Bruno Fernandes and Jesse Lingard completed a commanding performance on a truly unforgettable afternoon.

Newcastle 2-6 Man United, April 2003

The hosts struck first through Jermaine Jenas, igniting hopes of an upset on Tyneside. But what followed was a ruthless attacking exhibition from Ferguson’s rampant side.

United found the net four times in a breathtaking first-half with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Paul Scholes (2) and Ryan Giggs finding the back of the net.

Scholes produced a masterclass, completing a sensational hat-trick before Ruud van Nistelrooy added further gloss to the scoreline.

It was a statement victory for the Red Devils, but still not enough to take the title away from invincibles Arsenal.

Man United 3-2 Newcastle, October 2018

Then-United manager Jose Mourinho was facing intense scrutiny over his job.

Newcastle stunned the crowd early as Kenedy and Yoshinori Muto struck before half-time to put United on the brink.

The atmosphere turned toxic, and only a superb save from David de Gea prevented further embarrassment.

Juan Mata sparked hope with a sublime free-kick that reignited belief inside the stadium.

Anthony Martial then levelled the contest, setting the stage for late drama.

Alexis Sanchez, whose United spell had largely disappointed, rose highest in stoppage time to head home a dramatic winner and seal a remarkable turnaround.

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .