Geordie fans are Given back their pride by Kevin Keegan

It has taken seven months of Kevin Keegan's reign, but optimism and hope finally returned to Tyneside yesterday.

A turbulent summer ended and Keegan rallied a threadbare but talented squad to a stirring performance at Old Trafford.

Keegan's men earned a deserved draw against the champions and showed enough adventure and spirit to raise expectations.

Newcastle had only earned six draws at Old Trafford in their last 28 visits, and never won. Shay Given made five outstanding saves in a heroic performance and Argentine winger Jonas 'Spiderman' Gutierrez ran his heart out in attack and defence.

Debutant Fabrizio Coloccini formed a tough partnership with local lad Steven Taylor and refused to be bullied. United's Darren Fletcher's equaliser only came as Taylor lay injured out of play. New boy Danny Guthrie was an unsung star as he kept the midfield ticking over and never wasted a pass. "My man of the match, he is a real find," was Keegan's verdict.

Keegan has clearly galvanised his squad into a hard-working unit, and had Oba Martins scored with an easier free header than his opening goal, the Magpies may have won their first game here since February 1972.

Instead, there is satisfaction that last season's "nightmare" 11-1 aggregate drubbing at United's hands is now a distant memory.

"That's a huge result," said Given who kept them out with hands, legs and even his head in a remarkable performance.

Owner Mike Ashley watched from the away end with his family. And if he can muster a few more millions for Keegan to spend - with Javier Saviola a possible target - the upbeat mood will continue.

"If we can do that here, we can do it anywhere," concluded Keegan.