United turn the screw

Wimbledon 0 Manchester United 3

In terms of psychological advantage, Manchester United must have Newcastle almost at the point of surrender with the season barely begun. As if last week's humiliating defeat in the Charity Shield was not damaging enough, the champions had to go and round off another afternoon of wickedly good finishing with a strike their manager is already claiming as the goal of the season.

Coupled with their own defeat at Everton, the Geordie squad probably did not find Match of the Day obligatory viewing on Saturday night. Unlike United. When it comes to building up his own players - and knocking down those of the opposition - there is no one more prejudiced than Alex Ferguson. But David Beckham's goal needed no glorification. The awareness, range and accuracy, not to mention the sheer cheek, were there for all to see as he lobbed Neil Sullivan in the Wimbledon goal from almost 60 yards in injury time.

Sadly, Pele was not around to witness a carbon copy of his World Cup 1970 wonder effort (only difference being that Beckham scored with his), nor, more importantly, was Glenn Hoddle. The England coach is due to announce his first squad for the opening World Cup qualifier in Moldova on Thursday, and the goal would have been a timely reminder of this outrageous talent. No doubt news of it, and not least his all round performance, will filter through to him.

The more pertinent comparisons on Saturday were to be made not with Pele but someone closer to home, perhaps Bobby Charlton or Duncan Edwards, more likely a combination of both. The young man is that good. Thankfully, such precocious ability could not be in more caring hands. Asked about Beckham's readiness for full international level, Ferguson replied: "He has a way to go yet, but I think he could handle it all right. We'll nurse him the way we have been doing. He'll miss a few games this season but then there are a lot to play."

And anyone who doubted United's capacity to battle on more than one front this season - home and abroad - will have to think again after their victory here. Ryan Giggs, for one, was absent, injured - not that you would have noticed. Jordi Cruyff played in place of the Welsh wizard and United lost nothing in adventure. That famous number 14 shirt was soon working the full width of United's attack as he went vainly in search of a goal to celebrate his debut and was unlucky not to get two.

Throw in the Czech, Karel Poborsky, due to make his own debut, against Everton at Old Trafford on Wednesday, and Andy Cole it becomes apparent what United have in reserve. They will certainly be able to withstand the three-week loss of Roy Keane - he has a knee operation tomorrow - better than the Republic of Ireland, deprived of him for their World Cup qualifier against Liechtenstein.

The tireless Irishman had paved the way for the opening goal, effortlessly taken by Eric Cantona, who has that certainty of touch which seems to indicate a goal before it is even scored. A rare quality. The Frenchman also picked up his second booking in two weeks as well as his second successive goal and it seemed that his substitution was down as much to expediency as a pulled muscle in the top of his buttock. He looks sure to remain a pain in the posterior for others this season.

Goals: Cantona (25) 0-1; Irwin (58) 0-2; Beckham (90) 0-3.

Wimbledon (4-4-2): Sullivan; Cunningham, McAllister, Perry, Thatcher; Gayle (Ardley, 86), Earle, Jones (Ekoku, 81), Leonhardsen; Holdsworth (Harford, 81), Clarke. Substitutes not used: Blackwell, Heald (gk).

Manchester United (4-4-2): Schmeichel; Irwin, May, Pallister, P Neville; Beckham, Keane, Butt (Johnsen, 39), Cruyff; Scholes, Cantona (McClair, 79). Substitutes not used: G Neville, Poborsky, Van der Gouw (gk).

Referee: D Elleray (Harrow-on-the-Hill).

Bookings: Wimbledon: Clarke, Harford. Manchester United: Cantona.

Man of the match: Beckham. Attendance: 25,786.