Newcastle United 1, Manchester United 2 - United chalk up seven-point lead

CRISTIANO RONALDO and Newcastle United defender Steven Taylor were involved in an altercation in the St James’ Park tunnel as Manchester United re-established a seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League.

In a feisty encounter, Taylor was booked for catching United star Ronaldo with his arm, and it is understood a heated exchange took place between the two as the players returned to dressing rooms at half-time.

But Ronaldo and United left Tyneside with an 11th successive league win under their belts.

The home side gave the reigning champions a tough time: Reds chief Sir Alex Ferguson admitted: “Newcastle were aggressive and tackled everywhere.

“Credit to them because they put a lot into their game, but we came from 1–0 down and controlled the second half.”

It all started well for Newcastle, who forced their way in front against the odds after nine minutes.

Edwin van der Sar spilled Jonas Gutierrez’s shot and Peter Lovenkrands pounced to beat the Dutchman for the first time in 1,311 minutes of league football since November 8.

The lead was to last just 11 minutes before Wayne Rooney turned superbly away from Fabricio Coloccini to fire past ’keeper Steve Harper.

Dimitar Berbatov clinched the victory with 56 minutes gone when, after Park Ji–Sung had capitalised on Ryan Taylor’s slip, the Bulgarian converted his pass from close range.