Manchester United 2-1 Newcastle United: 6 Things We Learned

An interesting mix of youth and experience kicked off Manchester United's Capital One Cup campaign this Wednesday in an entertaining third-round match.

The victory came courtesy of fine goals from central midfielders Anderson and Tom Cleverley, both of whom have been rare goalscorers in their United career.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side will now face a difficult away trip to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea, which is sure to prove another tricky test for the Red Devils.

Young Defence Steps Up

With injured bodies currently laying strewn across the Old Trafford gym, Sir Alex sensed a golden opportunity to blood some youth players in his defence.

The back four consisted of Alexander Buttner, Scott Wootton, Michael Keane and Marnick Vermijl—who, between them, have made only a couple of first-team appearances for United.

But the new-look lineup played well, marshaling Newcastle's dangerous strikers for much of the game.

Vermijl especially deserves a mention for his excellent attacking play down the right flank.

Darren Fletcher Is Back

Oh what a mighty relief it was to not only see Manchester United's midfield general, Darren Fletcher, back, but more importantly, playing well again.

It goes without saying that Sir Alex has missed his driving influence in the middle of the park in recent weeks, with his nasty ulcerative colitis condition having kept him sidelined for almost a year.

Against Newcastle, he was domineering and energetic, calmly dictating the flow of the game from a deeper position.

His combination play with Anderson and Cleverley will no doubt give his boss cause for optimism heading into a tricky winter period of games.

Anderson Plays, and Scores a Blinder

I, like many United fans, have been crying out for Sir Alex to give Brazilian midfielder Anderson a decent run of games this season.

His performance against the Magpies Wednesday night may just see that hope become reality.

He was strong, holding off tackles with ease, but also a real threat in attack, forcing keeper Rob Elliot into some smart saves to keep the score close.

His fine goal was a 25-yard rocket that cannoned in off the post to give his team a deserved lead late in the first half.

Wayne Rooney Returns, Shows Signs of Sharpness

Though he looked, understandably, well short of match fitness, Wayne Rooney was a positive impact in the 2-1 win at Old Trafford.

His first touch and passing were good, as was his attitude in assuming the role of leader on the pitch with so many young faces around him.

Though Wayne had little in the way of chances come his way, Sir Alex will be glad to have his main man back to revitalise a slightly stagnating attack at the moment.

Mixed Bag for Welbeck and Chicharito

Both given a chance in the absence of Robin van Persie and Shinji Kagawa, Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez combined with mixed effect against Newcastle.

In Welbeck's case, he was hampered by his drifting out into a wider position, where he failed to have much impact on the game.

Chicharito, on the other hand, spurned a couple of headers from Vermijl crosses that he should perhaps have done better with.

With Rooney back in the team, both will most likely find playing opportunities harder to come by.

Will Sir Alex Stick with Youth Against Chelsea?

Compared to other competitions that United compete in, the Capital One Cup (formerly the League Cup) has always been seen as a sort of "Mickey Mouse" competition, at least until one's team reaches the later rounds.

As such, Sir Alex has always used the opportunity to give youth a chance, as he did Wednesday night.

But with a clash with Chelsea looming on the horizon in the next round, a squad of players deeper than Newcastle's, the United boss may be forced into deploying a team consisting more of regular first-teamers.

I for one, hope that's not the case.

What do you think? Were you impressed by the performances of United's youngsters Wednesday night?

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