UNSUNG HEROES

Share Manchester United's desperate need for a striker was laid bare at Old Trafford as the Barclays Premier League champions began their title defence in disappointing fashion with a 1-1 draw against Newcastle.

Sir Alex Ferguson is unlikely to get too stressed at the loss of two points, given United finished top last term despite collecting only two from their opening three games.

But he ended the match with Patrice Evra providing Wayne Rooney with support up front.

He will also know that, unless the gap in his desired pool of four forwards can be filled before the transfer window closes in a fortnight, it may be asking too much of his team to complete a championship hat-trick - after they could find only a Darren Fletcher equaliser to Obafemi Martins' early opener.

Player of the Match : Shay Given