TIM KRUL admits Newcastle sensed Manchester United were there for the taking in the build up to Saturday's historic victory at Old Trafford.

The Magpies had not won at Manchester United's home for more than four decades prior to their weekend win, but they travelled to the North-West with a sense of expectation despite their dreadful record on the ground.

In part, that reflected the confidence gained in last season's narrow 4-3 defeat, but it also reflected the vulnerability that has become increasingly apparent within the Manchester United ranks in recent months.

David Moyes' side had already suffered home defeats to West Brom and Everton, and whereas previous Newcastle sides turned out at Old Trafford more in hope than anything else, the current crop of players were confident of success from the off.

“We talked about it before the game,” said Krul, who was crowned Premier League Player of the Month for November. “We lost on Wednesday (against Swansea), but so did they, and their defeat was at home (against Everton).

“They have had some bad results at home, and we knew that. We felt that if we came out fighting, we knew we would have a chance. Last season we felt the same. I know we lost 4-3, but we always felt we had a chance.”

Newcastle's players embraced each other on the pitch at the final whistle, with Alan Pardew leaving the dug out to join in the celebrations.

More than 3,000 travelling supporters remained in the ground for almost half-an-hour after the final whistle, revelling in their victory and serenading match winner Yohan Cabaye.

They had waited an awfully long time for the win, but as welcome as it was, there is a shared determination to ensure it does not become the high point of the remainder of the campaign.

“I have always said we are a top team,” said Krul. “We have everything. We have a fantastic fan base, but unfortunately the results haven't been there for Newcastle in the past.

“This year, we have a great squad. There is no Europa League, and that is a big factor. Things are looking really good at our place and we have a lot of confidence at the moment.”

At the start of the season, Krul was targeting a top-half finish after Newcastle only avoided relegation on the penultimate weekend of the previous campaign.

Given they are only four points off second position ahead of matches against Southampton, Crystal Palace and Stoke, they should end the year in a decent place, but their Dutch goalkeeper is refusing to set new targets until the packed festive schedule is at an end.

“It was top ten at the start, and at the moment we are taking things game by game,” he said. “The games come thick and fast in December. We had a fantastic November, but this is now a really important month. Hopefully, we can do the same in December and go on from there.”