Newcastle and Manchester United have been involved in some classic contests throughout the Premier League era, with their tussles for the title fond memories from the division’s first decade.

The two teams meet in the Premier League this weekend in the biggest clash between the sides for some time, as an improving Magpies team competes with the Red Devils for Champions League qualification.

It promises to be a must-watch showdown at St James’ Park and ahead of the clash we’ve looked back at some of the most memorable goals scored in the fixture.

Here are five of the best Newcastle vs Manchester United goals.

Philippe Albert

Perhaps the defining moment of the Entertainer’s era under Kevin Keegan, Newcastle produced a five-star showing to humiliate the defending champions in a result still revered in the North East.

Darren Peacock, David Ginola, Les Ferdinand, Alan Shearer and Philippe Albert were all on the scoresheet as Sir Alex Ferguson’s side were thrashed 5-0 at St James’ Park. It was a free-scoring performance from the Magpies, who had been beaten to the title the previous season, as Keegan’s side ran riot on a memorable night.

It was Albert who put the finishing touch on a statement win as the Belgian defender lifted an audacious chip over the stranded Peter Schmeichel. The Danish goalkeeper could only stand and watch, as Albert lifted a delicate finish up and over him to send the Toon Army wild.

#NUFC pic.twitter.com/v6JDr9XSnT

— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) March 28, 2020

“That was a very special result against a very special team, and my goal was against Peter Schmeichel – the best keeper in the world at the time,” Albert recalled to FourFourTwo.

“Any win against Manchester United has to be enjoyed, and because of the circumstances, this was more enjoyable than most [below]. After all, they had won the title the previous season when we had lost that big lead, and then they had smashed us 4-0 in the Charity Shield a few months earlier.

“My goal was the fifth but it wasn’t the only good goal of the game: David Ginola scored a fantastic one in the first half. But when you chip someone as tall as Schmeichel from outside the penalty area, it’s not something you forget in a hurry.”

Laurent Robert

‘A wand of a left foot’ is a well used term in football, but rarely has it been applied better than to Laurent Robert.

The Frenchman produced some magical moments during his four seasons with Newcastle, creating a catalogue of stunning goals that few in Premier League history can match. Robert opened his account for the club at Middlesbrough during the 2001/02 campaign, before the following fixture saw the winger produce a moment of magic against Manchester United.

It appeared an ambitious distance as Robert stood over a set-piece at St James’ Park, but the summer signing unleashed a rocket that ripped past Fabien Barthez on its way into the top corner to open the scoring.

It was the first of 11 free-kick goals Robert scored in the Premier League, with only five players having ever netted more.

Golazo Merchants: Newcastle’s frustrating genius Laurent Robert

Alan Shearer

Another thunderous free-kick, from a man who certainly knew where the net was.

Alan Shearer has scored more Premier League goals than any other player, with the three-time Golden Boot winner smashing home 260 goals for Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle.

Few were hit better than this effort at Old Trafford, as Shearer came back to haunt the side he twice turned down in the colours of his beloved Newcastle.

It was his 100th goal in the Premier League for Newcastle and a fine way to reach the century. Unstoppable.

Wayne Rooney

Is there a moment that epitomises a young Wayne Rooney better than this?

Rooney’s arrival was arguably the most exciting emergence of the Premier League era, as the teenage sensation tore through defences with a mix of fury and pure natural talent. After impressing for England at Euro 2004, he signed for Manchester United ahead of the 2004/05 campaign and scored one of the goals of the season when Newcastle visited Old Trafford.

Rooney had endured a frustrating afternoon as the Red Devils trailed to Darren Ambrose’s opener, with the forward – berating the referee in the build-up – seemingly set to be substituted.

Seconds later, Rooney unleashed his pent-up anger on an inviting headed clearance, as he lashed home a viscous volley which gave Shay Given no chance in the Newcastle goal.

Unforgettable Debuts: Rooney-mania reaches Old Trafford

Yohan Cabaye

Postage-stamp perfection from Yohan Cabaye.

Newcastle dealt Manchester United’s title hopes a damaging blow during the 2011/12 season, as the Magpies cruised to an emphatic 3-0 win at St James’ Park.

Cabaye scored the second of the game with a spectacular free-kick from distance, one placed precisely into the top corner to beat the despairing dive of Anders Lindegaard.

Bonus points, as ever, for the added aesthetic of crashing in off the crossbar.

What's your favourite free-kick in #PL history?

This one by Yohan Cabaye is surely up there, right?!#GoalOfTheDay // @NUFC pic.twitter.com/cm9cyxf6G0

— Premier League (@premierleague) September 24, 2021

Read – 90s Gold: How Newcastle United went from Keegan’s Entertainers to Dalglish’s Dad’s Army

Read Also – Iconic Duos: The Tank and The Rolls Royce, Vidic and Ferdinand

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The post Five of the best Newcastle vs Manchester United goals first appeared on The Football Faithful.