London - Dimitar Berbatov scored a clinical first goal for Manchester United as they sauntered to a 3-0 win in their Premier League opener against promoted Newcastle United at Old Trafford on Monday.
Responding to champions Chelsea's 6-0 drubbing of West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, Alex Ferguson's side were a class above Newcastle who faded away after a bright start.
Paul Scholes was chief tormentor, the midfielder setting up Berbatov after 33 minutes and then picking out substitute Ryan Giggs for United's third deep into the second half.
Darren Fletcher's close-range poke home had effectively ended the match as a contest shortly before halftime and United, runners-up to Chelsea last season, spent the second period toying with their overawed opponents.