Manchester United has opened the new season in style emerging 3-0 winners over newly-promoted Newcastle at Old Trafford on Monday night (UK time).
Goals from Dimitar Berbatov, Darren Fletcher and Ryan Giggs secured the opening round win for the Red Devils.
It was a comfortable night for Sir Alex Ferguson's men and although Wayne Rooney again failed to hit the net - and was substituted after 71 minutes - they were happy with their work.
Newcastle looked anything but over-awed on their return to the Premier League and created the better chances for half an hour although they still found themselves two goals behind at the break.
It could have been different if Andy Carroll had done better with a header from a Joey Barton corner after 10 minutes, but somehow he sent his effort wide from close range.
The same player had a shot well saved soon after but the match gradually ebbed away from Chris Hughton's team once they went behind after 33 minutes.
It was Paul Scholes who created the opening goal, threading a neat through-ball to Berbatov after Antonio Valencia had done well to win back possession. The Bulgarian made no mistake, drilling home a right-footed strike across keeper Steve Harper.
Darren Fletcher doubled United's lead in the 41st minute, turning neatly to fire home from 10 yards after Rooney touched on Evra's low cross.
Berbatov could, and should, have made it 3-0 when he inexplicably rolled an excellent chance wide after being put clean through on goal by a wonderful Rooney flick.
But United were always comfortable and didn't look in the mood to go all out for a seven-goal rout that would have put them top of the league ahead of rivals Chelsea, who beat West Bromwich Albion 6-0 on Saturday.
They did make it 3-0, however, when substitute Ryan Giggs volleyed home another excellent pass from man of the match Paul Scholes five minutes from time.
The result sees United immediately climb to third on the Premiership table, behind Chelsea and surprise opening round winner Blackpool, who defied their easybeat tag to defeat Wigan 4-0 on Saturday.