Manchester United 2 Newcastle United 1: match report Although the return of Rooney and Darren Fletcher's first start for 10 months since taking extended leave to battle the bowel condition, ulcerative colitis, were obvious plusses, every silver lining is proving to have a cloud at United. With Nemanja Vidic joining United's ever-increasing defensive casualty list by undergoing knee cartilage surgery earlier this week, Ferguson has been left with just two fit centre-halves with first-team experience - Jonny Evans and Rio Ferdinand - and neither was risked ahead of Saturday's encounter with Tottenham at Old Trafford. As a result, the United manager named a back four in which only Alex Buttner, the recent signing from Vitesse Arnhem, could claim a previous senior start for the club. Newcastle targeted the untested youngsters in the early stages as they attempted to expose United's weak link, but the young defenders stood up to the early barrage. The home side were brighter, with Rooney dropping deep to orchestrate the play. Despite a heavy grey bandage on his right thigh the 26 year-old was much more mobile and involved than during his ineffective performances prior to the injury. Unfortunately for United, none of their best first-half chances fell to Rooney, with Anderson and Cleverley creating, and wasting, good early opportunities to score. Anderson, impressing in his attacking midfield role, finally made the breakthrough on 44 minutes, however, with a stunning strike from 30 yards. The former Porto midfielder, a major disappointment since his arrival in May 2007, highlighted why Ferguson hd persevered with his talents, though, by shaking off the attentions of Gosling and firing a left-foot strike past Elliott. Cleverley's goal on 58 minutes later, a curling strike from 20 yards, appeared to have put the home side in a comfort zone and the next round, but Demba Cisse's header from Shane Ferguson's cross reignited hope for Newcastle. Once again, David De Gea's inability to deal with crosses contributed to a goal being conceded, with the Spaniard rooted to his line as Ferguson's delivery bisected his six-yard box before reaching Cisse at the far post. Buoyed by the goal, Newcastle pushed forward, forcing United to break on the counter-attack and Hernandez almost made it 3-1 when he struck the crossbar on 66 minutes. Manchester United: De Gea; Vermijl (Tunnicliffe 77), M Keane, Wootton, Buttner (Brady 85); Cleverley, Fletcher, Anderson; Rooney (Powell 77); Hernandez, Welbeck. Subs: Johnstone (g), Evans, Lindgarde, King. Goals: Anderson 44, Cleverley 58. Newcastle: Elliott; Tavernier, Coloccini (Ferguson 61), Williamson, Perch; Marveaux, Gosling, Tiote (Bigirlmana 71), Obertan; Shola Ameobi, Vuckic (Cisse 61). Subs: Harper (g), Anita, Amalfitano, Sammy Ameobi. Booked: Tiote, Bigirlmana. Goal: Cisse 62. Referee: A Taylor (Cheshire).