Alan Pardew said:

"It was frustrating towards the end because we were running out of legs, and I feared for us in that period. The stadium kept us alive, really. It kept our energy levels up. The start of the game was what we’re about, and not getting the goal in that period could be costly, I thought. I thought we were the better side.

"It was a fantastic effort in terms of commitment, attitude and workrate, summed up by Peter Lovenkrands, who I thought was absolutely outstanding. Not only did he do his work, and became an extra midfield player for us, he carried a threat the other way.

"They were pushing at the end, and with their last-minute goal history it could have been easy to give it. I praise the referee because I think he was very brave there. We're very, very happy with the draw. The players have put in an effort you can only applaud and say fantastic performance from our team. I think they were two teams committed to getting something out of the game. Manchester United are a fantastic team. 

"We were running out of legs a little bit. It starts giving you problems and we were hanging on, really, at the end. I think with the commitment we showed tonight and the points total we've got and the goal average we've got, that we're pretty much safe. But we want to finish high and do what's right and make sure we turn up and put in the same effort that we have against the potential champions.

"I think Danny (Simpson) sticks a leg out, which is dangerous, but he didn't touch the guy and he definitely dived looking for it. Man United were pushing at the end, and with their last-minute goal history it could have been easy for (referee Probert) to give it.

"My heart sank a little bit because I think we deserved something from the game in terms of our work-rate and everything we put into the game and the start that we made, where we were the better side.

"I praise the referee because I think he was very brave there. The more obvious penalty was Peter Lovenkrands' - It was an absolute cert, I can't believe he didn't give it. When he went over I thought it was a penalty as Peter’s honest, and I didn’t expect him to go down in that situation. I guessed it was a penalty. It didn’t get given. It was a story of two penalties - one definitely for us and one that wasn't for them."

Loan debutant Stephen Ireland - who signed on January 31st but has been unavailable due to a variety of injuries - said: 

"I was quite touched and surprised by the reception the Geordie people gave me. Even when I was warming-up fans were cheering and I want to work hard for the team.

"It's been really frustrating for me. I have not really had a manager who has wanted me to play and I have felt like an outcast for a while. It's nice to be treated normally for once. I haven't had that in a while. I have come here now and even through my injuries, they kept telling me, 'Listen, it's not a problem, just get yourself right'.

"The loyalty they have shown me, I am going to repay that as much as I can. It's been really frustrating, but it's all behind me now, thank God, and it's finally here. It's finally come around that I can play and I just want to finish the season strongly and try to benefit the team in whatever way I can.

On his early chance:

"I had time to take it down, but I think when I took it first time, I caught the keeper off guard. It was one of those – they either fly in the top corner or not and, unfortunately, it just didn't."

(Ireland's debut had been in some doubt, after his girlfriend was involved in a car accident recently and he was allowed to return to the family home in Cheshire).

The man from Govan snarled:

On the Hernandez spot kick claim:

"It was a clear penalty. I thought the referee had a good game tonight but he's let himself down by booking the player. If it's not a penalty, fine, but to book him is an insult. There is definitely contact, no doubt about that."

On the Lovenkrands spot kick claim:

"I haven't seen that. I'd have to see it again.

"I am confident we will be fine now as Newcastle was a hard one to get over....we didn't show any signs of fatigue; we were energetic and the players thrived on the challenge; which is good coming at this stage of the season."

After his poor reception at SJP poor misunderstood Michael Owen bellyached via a social networking site:

"Got poor reception off the home fans which was disappointing. Was desperate to score! Knew I would get booed, as that’s what a lot of fans do, but if they knew the facts then they may have a different opinion.

"From what most of you Newcastle fans are saying you should be pleased I left the club! If I had known that earlier I could have left sooner!

"For the record I tried my best in every game for Newcastle. Under KK I played well and I’ll never forget the 2 I scored against Sunderland.

"When I meet Newcastle or Liverpool fans they all respect what I’ve done for their clubs. In stadiums it changes, 1 boo and the rest follow.

"By the way I’m not looking for sympathy. As long as my family don’t boo me when I walk through the door I couldn’t care less!!!”

"Tried my best in every game" is an interesting phrase, but the source of our ire remains those games when he didn't actually make it on the field of play - or did so with apparent reluctance.... 

PS: the day after this game, one of Owen's horses ran in a novices race at Newcastle but could only trail in a distant third....in a three horse race.