Pardew blasts van Persie

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has accused Robin van Persie of elbowing Yohan Cabaye - and wants the FA to investigate their clash in Manchester United's win at St James' Park.

Pardew was left fuming by a late off–the–ball incident between United's Dutch striker and French international Cabaye, which wasn’t seen by referee Howard Webb.

Pardew said: "He (Van Persie) has looked at Yohan and he has elbowed him, and I think that perhaps needs to be looked at, if I am honest. Yohan wouldn't have gone down if he hadn't done something.”

Van Persie's strike partner Wayne Rooney won’t lose sleep over his lack of goals if united keep winning.

The England frontman turned in a fine individual display in the 3–0 Barclays Premier League victory over the Magpies as he continued his quest for full match fitness following a thigh injury.

Rooney played at the peak of a midfield diamond system designed to combat Newcastle's threat.

United were also grateful for their opponents’ faltering defence, which succumbed twice in the first 16 minutes to allow first Evans and Evra to head past goalkeeper Steve Harper.








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