Newcastle United supporters reaffirmed the power that St James' Park can have in terms of helping their side clinch three points with fantastic backing from the terraces. From the moment the teams entered the tunnel and Wor Flags' unfurled two surfer flags - one on the Gallowgate and the other on the Leazes - United's players were handed a huge boost as they set out to beat Manchester United.
Near enough every corner and throw-in was cheered as the Geordie faithful sensed the possibility of a famous win against a rival team in the race for a top 4 finish. One Manchester United in the ground remarked that no visiting side would want to 'play here' and that the atmosphere was 'intimidating' for Man United - at times, Erik ten Hag's men certainly looked rattled.
Indeed, Man United legend Gary Neville noted just how good it was: "It’s the first time I’ve been up here for quite a while and that’s the best atmosphere I’ve seen in my days working for Sky and that’s 11 years."
But what was is that left Neville and visiting fans applauding those in black and white? Here are some moments that show you the passion of Newcastle United fans.
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Cheering every challenge
Perhaps naively, it appeared that Man United had targeted Newcastle left-back Dan Burn as the weak-link but other than a couple of occasions the Blyth-born defender was unbreachable. Burn certainly had the backing of the fans as every challenge was applauded by those watching on.
Burn went in hard on Anthony - leaving the Brazilian international in a crumpled heap on the touchline, much to Jason Tindall's bemusement. There was a crucial interception on Marcus Rashford as the forward raced up the line on a swift counter. Burn chased him down, and stopped the attack - much to the fans' delight.
David de Gea's time-wasting antics
A lot had been made by Man United boss Ten Hag in the build-up to the game about Newcastle and their tendency to time waste, and therefore it was slightly strange to see his side appear to run down the clock with little over 10 minutes played.
Perhaps it was a ploy to break up Newcastle's quick start, whatever the reason it was a questionable instruction. Given the comments by Ten Hag, the Newcastle fans made it known at every point that De Gea or one of his defenders took their time with a free-kick. It certainly seemed to play into Newcastle's hands - with their players pressing high and forcing the opposing defence into mistakes. All of this happening with the boors and jeers from the crowd making it an unpleasant atmosphere for Man United.
Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes' tantrums
There was two key moments in the first 45 minutes that showed that Newcastle United's performance had got to their visitors. One saw Rashford lose his boot.
It came in a tussle with Burn but more of a coming together than a foul - the referee waved play on. As Newcastle hit on the counter, Rashford picked up his boot and threw it to the ground in frustration accompanied by the laughter of a good few thousand spectators.
The other came as Fernandes went down in the box from a Fabian Schar clearance - the centre-back making it known to the Portuguese midfielder exactly what he thought of his attempts to win a spot-kick. That saw cheers from the crowd, but louder ones came just seconds later as Fernandes hopped to his feet and chased the referee around the pitch protesting.
It was a clear sign that Man United were rattled.
Alexander Isak's closing down
Eddie Howe's game plan was to press high and force Man United to move quicker and hopefully into a mistake when playing out from the back - and it worked. On several occasions, the front three were quick off the mark as De Gea uncomfortably played the ball out to his defenders and within seconds had company from Isak, Jacob Murphy or Alexander Isak.
Having watched Newcastle waste several chances, including Schar shooting narrowly wide - the fans were still urging their side on. Isak chased down Dalot, who was forced to put the ball into the stands, and the roar from the fans was deafening - boosted by Isak thrusting his arms into the air and receiving a response.
Moments later, the ball was in the back of the net as Joe Willock headed home a Saint-Maximin knockback.
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