Derided after a woeful pre-season campaign, Reid was desperate to see Leeds tackle the criticism which had grown around them, and their 2-2 draw against a highly-fancied Newcastle team at Elland Road brought temporary respite.

Newcastle were seen as outside contenders for the top-flight title but they fell behind during the second half in Yorkshire and relied on two goals from Alan Shearer to earn them a point on the opening weekend of the term.

Shearer converted his first from the penalty spot on 20 minutes after Lucas Radebe fouled Kieron Dyer inside the box, but Mark Viduka replied within four minutes and Alan Smith turned the game on its head when he pounced on a weak back-header from Olivier Bernard.

But United's lack of assurance – arguably an effect of their dire summer – was evident as they attempted to defend a one-goal lead, and Shearer robbed Reid of a priceless win when he slipped in amongst Leeds' defenders to head home Aaron Hughes' cross with two minutes remaining.

United: Robinson, Kelly, Radebe, Camara, Matteo, Sakho (Domi 60), Morris, Seth Johnson, Wilcox (Batty 74), Viduka, Smith. Subs not used: Martyn, Milner, Lennon.

Ends