All 21 Of Newcastle's Premier League Opening Day Fixtures

Date: 20 August 2000

Venue: Old Trafford

Result: 0-2

Starting XI: Given; W. Barton, Marcelino, Goma (Dyer), Dabizas, Hughes; Lee, Speed (Solano); Cordone, Cort, Shearer.

Goals: None

Yellow Cards: Goma

Debuts: Cordone, Cort

Manager: Sir Bobby Robson

What Happened?

For the third straight season Newcastle failed to score on the opening day, this time succumbing to the irrepressible powers of Champions Manchester United at Old Trafford. Future Magpie Ronny Johnsen opened the scoring in the 20th minute before ex-Toon striker Andy Cole finished off his old side late on.

League Position: 19th

Was It A Sign Of Things To Come?

Not exactly. Robson's first full season in charge mirrored the the previous campaign, as chronic bouts of inconsistency prevented Newcastle from pushing into the top-half. Three consecutive wins in the wake of the defeat to Manchester United were followed by a draw and two defeats - a frustrating trend that would continue throughout the season.

Final League Position: 11th