The Morning Sports Briefing

Man United pegged back at the death

Both Manchester United and Newcastle United headed into last night’s league fixture having garnered heavy recent criticism for their inability to hit the back of the net and so, naturally, they served up a six-goal thriller at St James’ Park.

United took a 2-0 lead after Wayne Rooney slotted from the spot following Chancel Mbemba’s handball before he turned provider for Jesse Lingard to finish a flowing breakaway.

Newcastle pulled level thanks to a well taken Georginio Wijnaldum goal and a second half Aleksandar Mitrovic penalty, but a much improved Rooney looked to have sealed all three points for the visitors with an old fashioned thunderbolt 10 minutes from time.

However, United's defensive frailties were exposed once again, Ryan Dummet's deflected shot at the death earning Steve McClaren's side a share of the spoils.

Elsewhere, Aston Villa picked up their first league win since August against Crystal Palace while West Ham came from behind to beat Bournemouth 3-1.

D’Arcy on Farrell

In his column today Gordon D’Arcy looks at the announcement new Ireland defence coach Andy Farrell is to take up a part-time consultancy role with Munster, something he believes is “a really clever move by the IRFU.”

He writes: “With Munster there are so many malfunctioning unites: the scrum, the lineout, the number 10. Confidence is shot.”

However he believes Farrell is the man to arrest Munster’s alarming decline: “What I know about him, from the briefest of conversations having marked him in 2007 and from former team-mates talking after the 2013 Lions tour, is that Munster have been gifted an inspirational figure.”

D’Arcy also credits Munster coach Anthony Foley, he writes: “This is some really clever business and Anthony Foley deserves a rap on the back for allowing it to happen. It takes a man of genuine humility to admit he needs outside help.”

Meanwhile Munster CEO Garrett Fitzgerald has suggested the province will look to extend Foley's contract before the Six Nations.

Moore to swap Leinster for Wasps

Leinster have been dealt a blow with the news Ireland prop Marty Moore is set to leave the province for Wasps as the player drain from the provinces continues.

Championship will remain uncompetitive

In his column today Sean Moran writes that the stark inequality between the counties is getting worse, and that a lack of competitiveness will persist regardless of the Championship format.

Don Cossack set for Thurles

Don Cossack is set to try and get his season back on track at Thurles tomorrow, while Cheltenham Gold Cup hopes Don Poli and Road to Riches could take each other on in the Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown next month.

What to watch out for:

Football

There are seven Premier League fixtures this evening, with league leaders Arsenal travelling to play eighth place Liverpool (BT Sport 1, 8pm) and Manchester City welcoming Everton to Eastlands.

Elsewhere Chelsea take on West Brom, Southampton welcome Watford to St Mary’s Stoke City face Norwich City, Swansea play Sunderland and Spurs play Leicester.

GAA

Tonight sees the McKenna Cup third round, two Walsh Cup games and round three of the Munster Senior Hurling League.