United begin title defence with dropped home points

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

MANCHESTER (AFP) — Manchester United started the defence of their Premier League title with a 1-1 draw with Newcastle at Old Trafford, with Darren Fletcher's goal cancelling out Obafemi Martins' effort for the visitors.

With Carlos Tevez not included in Manchester United's 18-man squad for family reasons, Sir Alex Ferguson opted for a partnership of Wayne Rooney and Fraizer Campbell in attack but last year's double winners once again demonstrated their need for new attacking options.

They fell behind to Martins' header but despite Fletcher's immediate reply in the 24th minute, United could not find a second, even though they dominated both territory and possession.

To make matters worse for Ferguson, who has been heavily linked with a move for the Tottenham...